A hospital stay can be one of the most vulnerable times of a person’s life—but sometimes, the recovery period can be even more stressful. Maybe you’ve had surgery or suffered from a serious illness, and you no longer need the intensive care of the hospital, but going home feels like a big leap. Swing bed services can help with this transitional period, and Medicare may help cover the cost of the stay if you meet certain requirements.
If you or a loved one are in need of recovery, this information is for you. Learn more about Medicare swing bed rules and whether you qualify for this kind of care through East Adams Rural Healthcare. Get in touch to speak with our team today!
Learn More About EARH’s Transitional Care Unit
What’s a Swing Bed Stay Like at EARH?
A swing bed is a hospital bed that can be used for both acute care and skilled nursing care. It helps patients continue their recovery in a supportive healthcare environment until they are strong enough to return home.
EARH’s swing bed services are part of a broader transitional care program that includes 24/7 nursing support, physical and occupational therapy, medication management, and coordinated care with your primary care physician. It can provide a safe, supportive place to recover from:
- Joint replacements
- Strokes
- Extended illnesses
- Major surgery
…and many other conditions. Because EARH is a rural critical access hospital, our swing beds provide the added comfort of recovering close to home with a team that already knows you and your local Ritzville community.
Medicare Swing Bed Rules: Qualifications
Not every hospital stay qualifies for swing bed coverage under Medicare. Understanding these Medicare swing bed rules can help you figure out your best options. If you qualify, you can (and should) take advantage of this benefit and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
To qualify for swing bed coverage through Medicare, you must:
- Have a three-day inpatient hospital stay (not including discharge day) before the swing bed admission.
- Require daily skilled care, such as IV therapy, physical therapy, or complex wound care.
- Be admitted to a swing bed within 30 days of the qualifying hospital stay.
- Have a doctor certify that you need skilled care.
- Get the services from a Medicare-certified swing-bed hospital.
If your swing bed stay is approved, Medicare will cover:
- Skilled nursing care
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Medications during your stay
- Meals
- Semi-private rooms
- Medical supplies and equipment
They won’t cover the cost of personal comfort items or private room charges. Medicare covers up to 100 days of care per benefit period, typically covering the first 20 days in full. After that, you may need to pay a daily coinsurance fee.
EARH cares about your costs. Our financial services team works closely with patients to ensure they understand their coverage, potential costs, and available resources. If you’d like to learn more about the expected costs, potential discounts, and payment plans, contact our financial services team.
Local Support with Medicare Swing Bed Services
Swing bed services provide an important step in the recovery process. More than that, however, they’re an essential part of the rural healthcare network, offering personalized and supportive recovery plans after a prolonged illness, serious injury, or major surgery. With Medicare coverage, patients can access this care with little or no out-of-pocket costs during the early stages of their recovery journey.
If you or a loved one might benefit from skilled care after a hospital stay, let our team help you understand your options. The East Adams team can help you navigate Medicare eligibility and paperwork, and give you more information about what to expect during this important recovery period.
Learn more about swing bed services at EARH online or call our office today.
