People With Medicare

Hospital & Facility Costs

What do I pay for a hospital stay?

You must pay a hospital deductible when you go into a hospital. There is also a daily charge if you stay in the hospital more than 60 days. Medicare pays for 90 days in a hospital at one time. These days it is very rare for anyone to be in a hospital for that long.

Hospital Costs (2013):

How Long You Stay	What You Pay
Days 1-60	$1,184 deductible, then nothing.
Days 61-90	$296 per day
Days 91-150	$592 per day These are called "lifetime reserve days" because Medicare will only pay for these extra days once in your lifetime.
After 150 days	All of the costs of your stay.

What do I pay in a skilled nursing facility?

For a nursing home stay, Medicare has no deductible. Medicare only covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility. It only covers if you meet Medicare's guidelines. Medicare will NOT pay if you only need help with your personal care, such as bathing, eating, or dressing yourself. This is also called custodial care. After your 20th day in a nursing home, you pay a daily charge through the 100th day.

Skilled Nursing Facility Costs (2013):

How Long You Stay	What You Pay
Days 1-20	$0
Days 21-100	$148
After 100 days	All costs

What do I pay for home health care and hospice?

There is no deductible or copayment for home health and hospice care. You must meet certain guidelines to get this kind of care. If you qualify under Medicare's rules, you can get this care as long as you need it. You may pay a small share of the costs of your drugs.

NEXT: How do I pay my Medicare premiums?

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.