Most Medicare patients can receive coverage for inpatient rehabilitation services. However, there are some limits that you will need to be aware of. You will want to try to get as much of your stay covered by Medicare Part A as possible. You will also need to know what services won’t be covered so that you can seek additional financing if needed.
Making Sure that Your Stay is Covered
You will need your doctor to approve the treatment before Medicare can cover it. Here are some requirements that you will need to be aware of before enrolling a program such as this one:
- Program requirements. The patient will need to meet certain rehabilitation needs to qualify for Medicare coverage. This includes intensive physical or occupational rehabilitation and at least one other form of rehab. The patient will need to perform these services for at least three hours a day.
- Access to medical professionals. Your doctor must also certify that you need full-time access to both a physician and a nurse.
Speak to your doctor about your physical condition. If they feel that you meet the above requirements, then they can help you get coverage under Medicare Part A.
What Will Medicare Cover?
Your Medicare policy will cover the cost of most or all of the services. However, there are some limits that you will need to be aware of:
Deductibles
You will not face a deductible if you are admitted to a hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation center. However, you will need to pay a deductible of about $1,000 if you don’t spend at least three days in a hospital first. You must enroll in the rehab program within 30 days of the discharge.
Other Out-of-Pocket Costs
You won’t face any out-of-pocket costs for the first 60 days of treatment. However, you will need to pay daily copays every day after that period. The copay for 2014 is about $300.
Top-Tier Services
Medicare will cover some basic services. You can expect to receive compensation for:
- Services provided by nurses and social workers
- Your medications and other medically necessary treatments
- Rehabilitation services
- A semi-private room
- Your meals
You will need to pay for additional services that aren’t listed above. You may receive coverage for a private room or other additional services if your doctor can show that it is medically necessary.
Program Certification
The program must be certified by Medicare Part A. You should ask the institution if they are approved by Medicare and verify their certification with Medicare.gov before enrolling in any program.
