Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coverage Rules
How Medicare pays for a skilled nursing facility stay: the 3-day inpatient rule, the 100-day benefit period, and what it costs at each stage.
By Boris Sorto, Healthcare Advocate · Updated August 26, 2026
Original Medicare covers a skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay for up to 100 days per benefit period, but only after a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay, and only for skilled care, not long-term custodial care.
The 3-day rule
To qualify for SNF coverage under Original Medicare, you generally need to have been formally admitted as a hospital inpatient for at least 3 consecutive days. Time spent under “observation status,” even overnight in a hospital bed, does not count toward this requirement. This distinction trips people up constantly, and it’s worth confirming your admission status directly with the hospital, not assuming based on how long you stayed.
Cost by day
| Days in a benefit period | Your cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Days 1–20 | $0 (fully covered) |
| Days 21–100 | Daily coinsurance (around $217/day in 2026; confirm the current rate at medicare.gov, as it’s set annually) |
| Day 101 and beyond | You pay the full cost |
Coverage denied or cut short? Our Claim & Appeal Support service helps organize a SNF billing dispute. See the full appeals process.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover long-term custodial care in a nursing home?
No. Medicare’s SNF benefit covers skilled nursing and rehabilitation care, not long-term custodial care (help with daily activities like bathing or dressing). Long-term custodial care is generally a Medicaid matter, not a Medicare one.
Does the 3-day rule apply to Medicare Advantage plans?
Many Medicare Advantage plans waive the 3-day inpatient rule, but not all. Check your specific plan’s Evidence of Coverage rather than assuming.
Written by Boris Sorto
Bilingual Healthcare Advocate, formerly with Humana’s Medicare operations. More about Boris →