Being Observed….vs Being Admitted
When you go to the hospital, and you are a Medicare patient, it is imperative that you know if you are an in-patient versus an observed patient. Currently, Medicare isn’t paying if you are being observed! Currently (and the rules change all the time…) Medicare will pick up the first 20 days of skilled nursing in a rehab facility if you have been admitted into the hospital for 3 full days. Now, If you are considered in observation for any part of that time, Medicare won’t pay your rehab facility bill. In 2007-2009, there was an increase of 34% in patients being observed versus being an in-patient. AND Medi-Gap insurance doesn’t cover being observed either!
So ask, “Am I an in-patient, or an I being observed!” Get educated, get empowered, get healthy!