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Hospice

Hospice and skilled nursing facility (SNF) care

Learn how Medicare covers hospice care in a SNF, including when room and board costs apply and what happens if you need skilled care unrelated to your terminal illness.

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Medicare covers hospice at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) only if the SNF has a contract with a Medicare-certified Medicare-certified means offering services at a level of quality approved by Medicare. Medicare will not pay for services received from a health care provider that is not Medicare-certified. hospice that can provide your care. The hospice benefit will not pay for room and board at the SNF, so you will be responsible for that cost.

If you have skilled care Skilled care is medically necessary care that must be performed by a skilled professional, or under their supervision. Skilled nursing includes care from registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Skilled therapy includes care from licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists. needs unrelated to your terminal illness A terminal illness is a disease or condition that cannot be cured or adequately treated, with a life expectancy of six months or fewer. , and you meet Medicare’s coverage requirements for a SNF stay, Medicare should cover room and board and that skilled care. For example, if you have elected hospice because you have terminal cancer and you fall and break your hip unrelated to the cancer and meet other requirements, Medicare would cover your stay in a SNF for the daily physical therapy you need for the broken hip.

Glossary Terms

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SKIP SURVEY RESUME SURVEY