A man and two women on a couch reviewing long-term care insurance at Alpine Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Ruston, LA.

Understanding Insurance and Medicare Coverage

What is long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance (LTC or LTCI) helps cover the cost of long-term care in a skilled nursing facility, beyond a certain predetermined period and is meant to pay for care not covered by other insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.

What does Medicare usually cover for a skilled nursing facility?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) provides time-limited coverage for skilled nursing care that is provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) when certain conditions are met. Learn more.

All of the following criteria must be met for the skilled care to be Medicare Part A eligible:

  • You have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and have days remaining in your benefit period.
  • You have a qualifying hospital stay, meaning an inpatient stay of at least three consecutive days.
  • You must enter the skilled nursing facility within a short period after leaving the hospital.
  • Your doctor has ordered the services you need for skilled nursing care, which require the expertise of licensed professionals such as nurses or therapists.
  • You require skilled care on a daily basis, and these services must be provided in a skilled nursing facility setting.

You need these skilled services for a medical condition that:

  • Was treated during a qualifying three-day inpatient hospital stay, or
  • Began while you were receiving care in a skilled nursing facility for a condition that was treated during a qualifying hospital stay.

Daily rate for skilled nursing care include room and board:

  • Three meals per day served in main dining or rehabilitative dining areas
  • Tray service, plus snacks
  • Special diets as ordered by a physician
  • Housekeeping daily
  • Linens for bed and bath
  • Administration of prescribed medications
  • Round-the-clock supervision by licensed nurses and nurse assistants
  • Feeding assistance
  • Regular weekly activities
  • Occupational and recreational programs
  • Medication review
  • Social services consultation
  • Rooms that federal and state guidelines
  • Planning and referral upon discharge
PLEASE NOTE: THE DAILY ROOM RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE PHYSICIAN VISITS, DENTIST CARE, MEDICATION, SUNDRIES, MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND LINENS FOR INCONTINENCE, DOCTOR ORDERED THERAPIES INCLUDING PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL & RESPIRATORY THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, OTHER SPECIALIZED CARE PROCEDURES, ETC.

What might Medicare pay for long term elder/senior care?

Most long-term care isn’t medical care but rather is a range of support services for personal care. Medicare pays for skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility up to 100 days per qualifying spell of illness.

Do you accept private healthcare insurance?

Yes, we accept individual health insurance or private pay.  Please see our admittance staff for more information.

Do you accept Medicaid patients?

Yes, we do. For additional questions, please ask our admitting staff.

Senior living at Alpine Skilled Nursing in Ruston, LA, emphasizes comfort, community, and quality care for residents.

Come See for Yourself

Our top-quality care creates results.  In fact, our discharge to home rate is above the national average.  And our beautiful, comfortable surroundings make guests feel right at home. Come see what makes Alpine Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation so special.

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