04/15/2026
If you are on your 100 days of Medicare, and there is potential to remain in long-term care after Medicare stops paying, visit Elder Law of Omaha for a free consultation to explore options for paying for long-term care going forward and possible asset preservation. Call us at 402-614-6400 to schedule today.
Medicare can cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility—but there are some important rules most people don’t realize
First:
You must first have a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay.
"Observation status” in the hospital does NOT qualify for the 3-day inpatient hospital stay trigger
Second:
The 100 days is a maximum—not guaranteed
Coverage ends when you no longer need skilled care.
2026 Costs on Original Medicare (Covered by Medigap or Medicaid)
Deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. A new benefit period restarts 60 days after release from care.
Then you pay:
Days 1–20: $0/day
Days 21–100: $217/day
After day 100, Medicare pays nothing. So, your Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage will also pay nothing.
The average cost? About $9,800/month 😳
Most people don’t plan for this—but about 70% of those over 65 will need long-term care.
Options for Long Term Care:
Personal savings
Medicaid (after spending down assets)
A Long-term care plan (set up in advance)
Long-term care plan options include traditional Long-Term Care Insurance, Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Riders, or an Annuity with Long-Term Care Riders.
If you’re unsure how you’re covered, it’s worth reviewing before you need it.
