Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
Only for short-term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care, also called custodial care (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
Updated November 2026 · Sources linked in the text · General information, not medical, legal or financial advice.
What Medicare covers: skilled nursing after a hospital stay
Medicare Part A can cover care in a skilled nursing facility after a medically necessary inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 days in a row. Time spent under observation or in the emergency room doesn't count toward the 3 days (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care).
| Days in each benefit period (2026) | You pay |
|---|---|
| Days 1–20 | $0 per day, after the $1,736 Part A deductible |
| Days 21–100 | $217 per day |
| Day 101 and after | All costs |
Source: Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care. Coverage is for skilled nursing and therapy care you need, not for staying in a nursing home long term.
What Medicare doesn't cover: long-term care
Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care in a nursing home or in the community (Medicare.gov: Long-term care). If you need help with daily activities for a long time, the main options are:
- Medicaid, if you meet your state's eligibility rules (Medicare.gov: Long-term care). Most nursing homes listed here are certified for both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Long-term care insurance, if you bought a policy (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
- Paying privately from income or savings.
Quick answers
How many days does Medicare pay for a nursing home?
Up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care in each benefit period, after a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay. In 2026 days 1–20 cost $0 after the deductible and days 21–100 cost $217 a day (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care).
Does Medicare pay for long-term nursing home care?
No. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term (custodial) care. Medicaid may, if you qualify in your state (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
Does observation time count toward the 3-day stay?
No. Only inpatient days count; observation and emergency-room time don't (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care).