A skilled nursing facility is a clinical care provider of 24-hour licensed nursing. A skilled
nursing facility is primarily engaged in providing services for residents who require medical
and therapy services for the rehabilitation of injured, disabled, or sick persons. Skilled
services include: rehabilitation, intravenous therapy, post-surgical stabilization, pulmonary
management, wound care, assistance with administration of medications, and aid in a variety
of daily living needs. Additional services offered include: Psychiatric services, social services,
podiatry and optometry, housekeeping & laundry services, and beauty/barber shop.

Covering the Cost of A Skilled Nursing Facility

The most common ways to cover the expense for a skilled nursing facility:

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• Medicare – SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility) benefits apply after the insured has been

admitted to an acute care hospital for three consecutive midnights. Medicare offers
100 days of coverage for skilled services. Once admitted into a skilled nursing facility,
days 1-20 are covered at 100% and days 21-100 covered at 80% leaving a 20% co-
payment amount. The co-payment amount for days 21-100 is $161.50, which can be
covered by secondary insurance plans or Texas Medicaid.

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• Medicaid – Texas Medical Assistance Program can be used to cover the cost for

short and long-term skilled nursing care.

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• Private Pay – Some residents who move into a skilled nursing facility or nursing home

pay for their care from private funds and out-of- pocket.