Glossary · Care and services
What is skilled nursing care?
Skilled nursing care is services from licensed nurses at home or in a nursing home. Under Original Medicare, a covered skilled nursing facility stay costs $0 for days 1 to 20 and a daily coinsurance for days 21 to 100.
Definition and figures from CMS fact sheet, Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Skilled nursing care: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SNF days 21-100 (2026) | $217 per day | CMS fact sheet: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles (Nov 14, 2025) |
| SNF days 1-20 | $0 after the Part A deductible | Medicare.gov: Medicare costs (2026) |
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What does skilled nursing care mean in health insurance?
Skilled nursing care is services from licensed nurses at home or in a nursing home. Under Original Medicare, a covered skilled nursing facility stay costs $0 for days 1 to 20 and a daily coinsurance for days 21 to 100.