By Vel Nhalay
It may sound surprising, but if you’re admitted for inpatient rehab services at St. Ann’s Community, we start planning for your discharge the very day you arrive.
From the moment you come to us from the hospital, our focus is on helping you return to your previous level of activity, getting you home safely and reducing the chance of a hospital readmission.
A question we hear often is, “How do I go from the hospital to rehab, and what does Medicare actually cover?”
The process usually begins when the hospital’s clinical team recommends short-term rehab and sends your insurance provider the documentation to support it. This includes your medical history, the reason you were hospitalized, your abilities before the hospital stay and your current condition. If your insurer agrees you qualify, they issue what’s called “prior authorization,” which allows you to begin rehab.
For most people aged 65 or older, Medicare covers inpatient rehab once prior authorization is approved. At St. Ann’s, this coverage includes:
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Skilled nursing care
• Meals and daily living assistance
• Prescription medications
Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare coverage is not automatically guaranteed for the full length of your stay. To maintain coverage, you must participate actively in therapy and show steady progress toward your recovery goals.
When you arrive at St. Ann’s Transitional Care Center, your care begins with a meeting with our team — medical providers, therapists, nurses, and social workers — who work with you and your family to create a personalized plan. This plan outlines the goals you’ll work toward and the steps needed for a safe return home. Every day, your participation and progress are reviewed to ensure you continue to meet Medicare’s requirements for ongoing coverage.
It’s also important to understand how the Medicare benefit works over time:
• Days 1–20: Fully covered by Medicare, including services, equipment, and medications.
• Days 21–100: You are responsible for a daily co-pay (currently about $200/day).
Knowing this ahead of time can help you and your family plan for the financial side of recovery.
Finally, remember that you have the right to choose where you receive your rehab care. Planning ahead and reserving a spot at your preferred facility can make the transition from hospital to rehab much smoother. At St. Ann’s, we’ve helped thousands of people successfully recover and return home through expert therapy, compassionate care and a supportive environment.
If you’d like to learn more or explore pre-planning your rehab stay, our admissions team is here to guide you through the process.
Vel Nhalay is an admissions nurse at St. Ann’s Community. For more information, visit https://stannscommunity.com.