If I’m ever in the hospital, why should I have to double check to find out whether I’m “under observation” or “admitted?” Well, it makes all the difference to Medicare if you’re going to need skilled nursing (SNF) care. Medicare wants you to have been “admitted” for three days (including three mid-nights) for you to be considered for SNF benefits.
Some patients unwittingly think they are admitted to the hospital when they are being categorized as “under observation.” They can face huge bills. The NYT’s Paula Span has a somewhat scary article about this and how a class action suit is being filed against Medicare and Medicaid Services. Click here for the article.
Current moral of the story: For now, if you’re going to need SNF care, urge the hospital to have you admitted not observed for three days (which include three midnights).