Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

When will Medicare cover nursing home care?

1. If it is part of the treatment for a covered illness

2. If it relates to any personal needs of the patient

3. If the patient requests it due to comfort

4. If it is for rehabilitation purposes only

The correct answer is: If it is part of the treatment for a covered illness

Medicare will cover nursing home care if it is part of the treatment for a covered illness. This means that the care must be medically necessary and provide services that are linked to a specific health condition that has been diagnosed and is being treated. Medicare typically covers skilled nursing facility care for patients who require a certain level of medical attention following a hospital stay or during recovery from surgery or illness. The focus is on ensuring that the nursing home care is related to the treatment of a medical condition rather than personal preferences or comfort alone. While rehabilitation may be a component of treatment, the key factor is that the care is provided as part of a necessary medical plan rather than merely for personal needs or comfort. This aligns with Medicare's guidelines, which are designed to ensure that coverage is available for services that are essential for the patient's recovery or health management.