Home health vs. skilled nursing facility: compare Medicare coverage
Published October 2, 2026 · Last updated October 2, 2026
Our live provider counts could not be read from the database while this page was built, so the sentences that quote them are not shown. We do not substitute an older number.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Start with the care setting
Both options may follow a hospital stay, but care happens in different places. The right comparison starts with the care plan and Medicare rules.
| Option | Where care happens | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Home health | At home | Part-time or intermittent skilled services |
| Skilled nursing facility | In a Medicare-certified facility | Daily skilled care and Part A eligibility |
The care team can explain which options fit the person's needs.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Check the SNF coverage rules
Original Medicare has several conditions for Part A SNF coverage. Check each condition with the hospital, facility and Medicare.
| Check | Medicare rule | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | You need Part A and SNF days left to use. | How many SNF coverage days remain? |
| Hospital stay | A qualifying medically needed inpatient stay is required. | Was the stay inpatient or observation? |
| Stay length | A needed inpatient stay of at least 3 days in a row is usually required. | Which days count as inpatient days? |
| Facility start | Enter a Medicare-certified SNF soon, usually within 30 days. | Is this facility Medicare-certified? |
| Skilled care | A health care provider must decide you need daily skilled care. | What skilled care is ordered each day? |
| Possible waiver | Approved ACO waivers and some Medicare Advantage plans may waive the stay rule. | Does a waiver apply to my plan or provider? |
The Medicare rule has details and exceptions. Ask Medicare or your plan to confirm your case.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Check the home health rules
Home health has a different eligibility test. A provider must confirm the need, order care and use a Medicare-certified agency.
| Check | What Medicare says | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled need | You need part-time or intermittent skilled services. | Which skilled service is in the care plan? |
| Homebound rule | Leaving home is hard, or a provider says it is not advised. Leaving usually takes great effort. | Who can explain whether I meet this rule? |
| Provider | A doctor or allowed provider must see you and order care. | Who will write and review the care plan? |
| Agency | A Medicare-certified home health agency must provide care. | Which agency will serve my address? |
Ask the provider and agency to explain any coverage decision in writing.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Compare the services
The two settings do not offer the same mix of services. Ask which services are ordered and which Medicare may cover.
| Care setting | Examples listed by Medicare | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Home health | Skilled nursing, therapy and medical social services | Aides may be covered only with certain skilled care |
| Home health | Some medical equipment and home supplies | No 24-hour home care or unrelated homemaker help |
| SNF | Room, meals, skilled nursing and needed therapy | Part A SNF coverage is short-term and has eligibility rules |
Medicare coverage depends on eligibility and the services in your care plan.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Compare Medicare costs in 2026
These dollar amounts are for Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may use different costs, so check your plan.
| Service or time | Amount shown by Medicare | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| SNF days 1–20 | $0 each day after the Part A deductible | Whether the deductible was already paid during this benefit period |
| Part A deductible | $1,736 in 2026 | Whether another hospital stay used this deductible |
| SNF days 21–100 | $217 per day in 2026 | How many covered days remain |
| SNF day 101 and later | You pay all costs | What other coverage may help |
| Covered home health services | $0 under Original Medicare | Whether each service is covered in your case |
| Covered medical equipment at home | 20% after the Part B deductible | The Medicare-approved amount and any plan rules |
You may not owe the SNF deductible again. This applies if you paid it for hospital care in the same benefit period.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Confirm inpatient status
A hospital visit is not always an inpatient stay. Ask staff to explain your status before you count days toward SNF eligibility.
| Status or event | How Medicare treats it | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient admission | The admission day counts toward the qualifying stay. | Ask which dates are listed as inpatient |
| Discharge day | The day you leave the hospital does not count. | Ask the discharge planner to review the dates |
| Observation care | Observation time does not count, even overnight. | Ask whether a waiver or other option may apply |
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Use the discharge checklist
Medicare's checklist gives patients and caregivers questions to ask before leaving. Use it to make the plan clear and share your preferences.
| Topic | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Where care happens | What choices are available after discharge? |
| Daily tasks | Which activities will I need help with? |
| Equipment | Will I need equipment, and who will arrange it? |
| Caregiver skills | Can staff show us how to do special care tasks? |
| Instructions | Can I get a written plan and current drug list? |
Medicare discharge checklist: Your discharge planning checklist, read 2026-10-02.
Compare provider information
The Medicare discharge checklist points to Care Compare for quality information. It covers home health agencies and nursing homes in your area. Search each provider type on its own, then confirm details directly.
| Provider type | Check online | Confirm by phone |
|---|---|---|
| Home health agency | Name, location and public quality information | Service area, start date, visits and care plan |
| Skilled nursing facility | Name, location and public quality information | Bed availability, services, costs and plan participation |
A public profile cannot confirm a current opening or fit for one person's care plan.
Medicare discharge checklist: Your discharge planning checklist, read 2026-10-02.
CMS data source: Medicare Care Compare, read 2026-10-02.
Use our live home health data
Our live national count covers home health agencies, not SNF beds or local openings. Use it as directory context, not as a care recommendation.
Our live directory counts could not be read. We do not show an older number.
CMS data source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, read 2026-10-02.
Make the next call count
Ask the discharge team which settings are being considered. Ask your provider or plan to confirm coverage and likely costs. Call each agency or facility to check services and availability. Keep the answers with your discharge papers. This guide explains coverage rules. It does not choose care for you.
| Write down | Why to keep it |
|---|---|
| Your hospital status and dates | To check SNF eligibility |
| The ordered services | To compare what each setting can provide |
| Your plan's cost estimate | To understand possible costs |
| Provider names and phone numbers | To confirm service and availability |
Know what this guide cannot decide
This page cannot tell you which care setting is right for a person. It cannot confirm coverage, a facility bed or an agency opening. Ask the treating provider, discharge team and health plan for those answers.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Home health services, read 2026-10-02.
Medicare source: Medicare.gov, Skilled nursing facility care, read 2026-10-02.
Questions families ask
Does hospital observation time count toward the SNF stay rule?
See the inpatient-status table above and the linked Medicare rule. Ask the hospital to confirm your status and dates.
How do I compare home health and SNF costs?
Use the cost table above as a starting point. Ask Medicare or your plan to confirm your own costs.
How can I compare home health agencies and nursing homes?
Use Medicare Care Compare for public provider information. Then call each provider to confirm current details.
Can this guide choose the right care setting?
No. Ask the treating provider and discharge team about the care plan.