Does Medicare Pay for Skilled Nursing in Colorado?
Does Medicare Pay for Skilled Nursing in Colorado?
When a loved one needs nursing home care, one of the first questions families ask is: “Will Medicare cover it?”
The answer is: only for a short time — and only under specific circumstances.
Medicare’s Limits on Skilled Nursing
Medicare was never designed to pay for long-term care. It will cover skilled nursing rehab care only for a limited period after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days — and only if the care requires licensed medical professionals.
That short coverage window can create a serious challenge. Because Medicare stops paying so quickly, many people are discharged before they’ve had enough time to fully recover. Families often face a painful choice: pay thousands of dollars out of pocket, or bring their loved one home before they’re ready.
What Happens When Medicare Runs Out?
Once Medicare coverage ends, so does the financial assistance — unless another program steps in. That’s where Colorado Long-Term Care Medicaid can make all the difference.
What Medicaid Will Pay for in Colorado
Colorado’s Medicaid program is very different from Medicare. While Medicare focuses on short-term medical needs, Medicaid is designed to cover long-term care for people who meet certain medical and financial requirements.
If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid can cover:
Nursing home care — both skilled and custodial, for as long as it’s needed.
Room and board at a Medicaid-approved facility.
Medical services in the facility, including medications, therapy, and supplies.
Assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
Specialized care for dementia or other chronic conditions.
In other words, Medicaid can provide ongoing coverage for both the medical and personal care your loved one needs — not just for a few weeks or months.
Why Families Turn to Medicaid
In Colorado, the average cost of a nursing home can exceed $9,000 per month. Even a modest savings account can be drained in months without help. Medicaid offers a safety net, but the application process is complex — with strict rules about income, assets, and medical necessity.
At Beneficent, we help families:
Understand the differences between Medicare and Medicaid.
Determine long-term care Medicaid eligibility before savings run out.
Navigate the Medicaid application process correctly.
Protect family assets while securing the care a loved one needs.
Summary
Medicare is a short-term solution. Medicaid is the program that can keep your loved one in a safe, supportive environment for the long term. The key is planning early — before the bills become overwhelming.
📞 Call us at 719.645.8350 to get guidance on Medicaid for nursing home care in Colorado.