Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes in Washington?
Yes, but with strict limits. Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period in a skilled nursing facility, and only if you had a qualifying 3-day hospital stay and continue to need skilled care.
Medicare Part A covers short-term skilled nursing after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 consecutive days. Days 1 to 20 are fully covered. Days 21 to 100 have a daily copay (around $204 in 2026). The care must be medically necessary — usually rehab after a stroke, hip replacement, or major surgery.
Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care in a nursing home. Once you no longer need skilled care, Medicare stops paying. Most long-term nursing home stays are paid through Medicaid after residents spend down assets.
What is covered
- Room and board in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Nursing care and medication administration
- Meals and medical supplies during the covered stay
What is not covered
- Long-term custodial care beyond 100 days
- Care that is not skilled (help with bathing, dressing, feeding alone)
- Days 21+ have a daily copay unless supplemental insurance covers it
Nursing Homes providers in Washington
We track 192 nursing homes providers in Washington. Of those, 192 are Medicare-certified in our data.
Browse all nursing homes providers in WashingtonWho qualifies for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older (or younger with certain disabilities)
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for 5+ years
- You or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (for premium-free Part A)
How to apply
- 1.Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday)
- 2.Apply online at ssa.gov/medicare, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office
- 3.If you missed initial enrollment, apply during General Enrollment (Jan 1 to Mar 31) or a Special Enrollment Period
Official source: Medicare.gov
Other ways to pay for nursing homes in Washington
If Medicare doesn't cover what you need, here are the other options families use:
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for health care for low-income individuals. Rules and coverage vary significantly by state.
The VA provides several benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities, including the Aid & Attendance pension that pays $1,500 to $2,700 per month.
Long-term care insurance is a private policy that pays for services Medicare does not cover, like extended stays in assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home.
Private pay means paying for care with your own funds: savings, Social Security, pensions, home equity, or family contributions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover nursing homes in Washington?
Yes, but with strict limits. Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period in a skilled nursing facility, and only if you had a qualifying 3-day hospital stay and continue to need skilled care.
What does Medicare cover for nursing homes?
Room and board in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility Also: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy Also: Nursing care and medication administration Also: Meals and medical supplies during the covered stay
Who qualifies for Medicare?
Age 65 or older (or younger with certain disabilities) U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for 5+ years You or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (for premium-free Part A)
How do I apply for Medicare?
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around your 65th birthday) Apply online at ssa.gov/medicare, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office If you missed initial enrollment, apply during General Enrollment (Jan 1 to Mar 31) or a Special Enrollment Period
What are the alternatives to Medicare for nursing homes in Washington?
Common alternatives include: Medicaid, VA Benefits, Long-Term Care Insurance, Private Pay. Which works best depends on your loved one's income, assets, veteran status, and whether they have a long-term care insurance policy.
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