Why do I have to leave the hospital so quickly? I don’t know which nursing home to go to…
Answer: Medicare pays hospitals a fixed amount of money that is based upon your specific diagnosis and the number of days they believe you should be in the hospital. If you stay past the date when Medicare and your doctor believe you are ready for discharge, Medicare can discontinue paying the hospital for your stay. The hospital then has the right to charge you privately for this extended care. If ongoing care is needed, and you don’t know where to go, the hospital can help you fill out required forms and locate a nursing home in your area. See below for additional information.