Monmouth's Ask the Doctor January-February 2020

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no longer be home and that long-term care is necessary. Since Medicare coverage is only offered for a limited time, families are often upset when they receive notice that their loved ones must either pay for ongoing care privately, apply for Medicaid or be discharged. The confusion comes from a misunderstanding of Medicare’s definition of skilled care. A skilled nursing facility is not looking to discharge anyone who qualifies for the Medicare benefit; however, once coverage is no longer avail- able other resources must be explored. Key Points • A Medicare-covered stay in a skilled nursing facility requires a three-consecutive-night inpatient hospitalization. • Each benefit period has 100 days of skilled nursing days available. A 60-day period with no inpatient stay is neces- sary to reset the benefit period. • The first 20 days are covered by Medicare at 100%, a co-pay is due after day 20. • There must be a skilled need as defined by Medicare. • A 100-day is not guaranteed or expected. • Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care. Caring Connections of New Jersey and Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to educate seniors in their own communities on the services available to them as they age and to provide education and support to the families who are caring for their aging loved ones. Our vetted speaker’s bureau has a variety of topics fit for audiences over 55 years old and bring the speakers TO YOU in your community. Whether it's community services that are of no cost to a senior or the full scope of care, we can assist with whatever resource you may need. Please visit www.caringconnectionsnj.org for more information.

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