Life Care operates more than 200 skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement living communities, home care services, and Alzheimer's centers.
Services - Nursing Care
Medicare & Payment
Medicare Part A and Part B benefits do apply to skilled nursing services for those who meet eligibility requirements and certain criteria by Medicare. For those who do not qualify, other payment options may include Medicaid, Managed care for HMO plans, private insurance, private funds or veteran's benefits.
Medicare Coverage
For Medicare to cover the cost of skilled nursing services, the resident must:
- Be at least 65 years old.
- Have spent a minimum of three consecutive days (not counting the day of discharge) in a hospital no longer than 30 days prior to entering the skilled nursing center.
- Have a physician's order for therapy.
- Need complex services that require the skills of a licensed therapist to improve in a reasonable, generally predictable amount of time.
- Receive therapy services that relate to the reason for hospitalization and adhere to the treatment plan developed by the physician and therapist.
Part A
Medicare Part A coverage will pay for the following:
- A semi-private room, meals, nursing services, rehabilitation services, medication, supplies, and medical equipment for the first 20 days.
- From the 21st day to the 100th day, the resident will pay a daily co-payment rate.
- After 100 days, Medicare no longer pays.
Part B
If a resident has enrolled in the Medicare Part B plan and is eligible for the services provided, he or she will be responsible for 20 percent of the total charges for the following outpatient services: occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy.
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid, a health insurance for certain low-income people, may pay the cost of therapy services. However, coverage guidelines vary from state to state. To find out which services may be covered in your area, contact your state's medical assistance office.
Managed Care or HMO Plan
Services that are covered under a managed care or HMO plan will depend on the individual's policy. Check with your plan's administrator.
Private Insurance
Private insurance may cover the cost of therapy services depending on the policy. Check with your insurance provider.
Private Funds
For those who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid and are not covered by private insurance, expenses for rehabilitation services can be paid by the individual or his or her family.
Veteran's Benefits
If a veteran requires skilled therapy services and there is no veteran's administration nursing facility in the area, the individual may be discharged to a Life Care center. However, the center must have a contract with the veteran's administration hospital. The services covered will be outlined in this contract.