How do I qualify for nursing home Medicare coverage?

Answer: Medicare coverage at a nursing home requires that you meet a three-part test. 

1. You must be admitted to the hospital for at least three consecutive nights
2. You must be admitted to the nursing home within 30 days of your discharge from the hospital. 
3. Once at the nursing home, you must be receiving professional care that increases your functioning level, such as physical therapy, speech therapy or specialized nursing, or you must require certain types of wound or ventilator therapies. 

The nursing home, NOT the hospital, is required by law to tell you on or before your admission to the nursing home whether you will receive Medicare benefits. 

Check with your doctor to see how long your stay in the hospital is anticipated to be.