3 day rule

For older adults on Medicare, the 3 day rule is of great importance.  After a major illness or surgery, most older adults will leave the hospital and need skilled rehab for a period of time.  Medicare pays for the first 20 days at 100% and then will pay for another 80 days, with a daily co-pay.  The current co-pay is $167.50 per day.  The kicker to this is that the individual must spend 3 days (two midnights) in the hospital (as an inpatient, not under observation) in order to qualify for this benefit.  It is imperative that you ask if a senior adult is being admitted as a patient or under observation.