Certified Financial Consultant (CFC) Practice Exam

Following hospitalization due to an accident, how many days will Medicare pay for full benefits in a skilled nursing facility (SNF)?

1. 10 days

2. 20 days

3. 30 days

4. 60 days

The correct answer is: 20 days

Medicare provides coverage for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care under certain conditions. After a hospital stay of at least three days, Medicare Part A will cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, but the full benefits apply specifically for the first 20 days. During this period, beneficiaries do not incur out-of-pocket costs. After day 20, a daily coinsurance fee kicks in for the next 80 days, but Medicare itself provides no further coverage beyond that initial 100 days. This policy aims to assist patients who need rehabilitative services after hospital stays, emphasizing the importance of the first 20 days where coverage is at its fullest. Understanding these specifics is crucial for beneficiaries and financial consultants advising them on post-hospital care options and costs.