Three-Day Hospital Stay Requirement
Medicare Glossary
A Medicare rule requiring you to be admitted as a hospital inpatient for at least three consecutive days before Medicare will cover a subsequent stay in a skilled nursing facility. Days spent in observation status do not count toward this requirement.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific Medicare plan. Benefits, costs, and availability vary by plan and location. For complete information about your Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Related Articles
Hospital at Home: How Medicare's Home Recovery Program Works
Learn how the CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home program delivers hospital-level care in your home, who qualifies, and what Medicare covers.
Read MoreMedicare Outpatient Surgery and Observation Stays
Understand how Medicare covers outpatient surgery, ambulatory surgical centers, and observation stays, and why your hospital status affects costs.
Read MoreWho Qualifies for Medicare? Eligibility Requirements Explained
Learn who is eligible for Medicare, including age requirements, disability qualifications, and special eligibility circumstances.
Read More