A hospital discharge often moves fast. These steps help you slow it down enough to make good choices.
Bring the hospital discharge checklist to the planning meeting.
Confirm your parent was admitted for 3 days
Original Medicare covers a skilled nursing facility only after at least 3 days as an admitted inpatient. Ask the hospital in writing. Medicare Advantage plans may have different rules.
Ask for the list of facilities
The hospital must give you a list of options. You can ask for more time to choose, and you can say no to a place.
Check ratings before you pick
Look up each facility on Medicare Care Compare. Call and ask whether they have a bed, and how much therapy your parent will get each day.
Know what Medicare pays
For Original Medicare, days 1 to 20 are covered in full. Days 21 to 100 have a daily copay. Coverage ends sooner if your parent stops improving or no longer needs skilled care.
Plan the next step early
Ask the facility's social worker in the first week what happens after rehab. Will your parent go home, need help at home, or need long-term care?
If you disagree with a discharge, appeal
You'll get a written notice before Medicare coverage ends. It lists a number to call for a fast appeal. Call right away, by noon of the day before the discharge date if you can.
This guide is general information for Michigan families. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice.Read the full disclaimer