Mainstreet Financial Education · Medicare · 2026
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, said like "sniff") provides short-term care after a hospital stay. It can be a standalone facility or part of a nursing home or hospital. Here is who qualifies, what is covered, and what it costs in 2026.
You were admitted to a hospital as an inpatient for at least three consecutive days.
You enter a Medicare-certified SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
Your SNF care is for the same condition treated during your hospital stay.
You need skilled nursing or therapy at least five days a week.
It begins the day you are admitted to a hospital or SNF as an inpatient, and ends once you have been out for 60 days in a row. The 2026 Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. Stay out 60 days and a new benefit period can begin, allowing up to 100 fresh SNF days after another qualifying three-day inpatient stay.
SNF coverage runs out faster than most recoveries from a stroke, fall, or hip replacement. If you have long-term care insurance, it may cover your stay after Medicare ends, so check your policy. If your income is low, Medicaid may help; contact your state Medicaid office to check eligibility in Georgia.
Knowing where Medicare stops is the first step to covering what comes next.
Free, professional education on Medicare, long-term care, and protecting retirement income for Atlanta families.
Browse free seminars