arrow_back Back to App

Easier Access to Post-Hospital Care for Seniors

New rules make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to access skilled nursing facility care. Time spent under hospital observation will now count towards the required three-day inpatient stay, helping more people qualify for follow-up care. This removes a significant barrier to receiving necessary services after a hospital visit.
Key points
Hospital observation time (without formal inpatient admission) will count towards the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for skilled nursing facility coverage.
This change applies to observation services received on or after January 1, 2021, with an appeal option for services completed before the law's enactment within 90 days.
It simplifies access to Medicare benefits for individuals needing post-hospital care who previously faced challenges due to not meeting the formal inpatient stay criteria.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_2048
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Process start date: 2021-06-15
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_2048.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Hospital observation time (without formal inpatient admission) will count towards the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for skilled nursing facility coverage.
  • This change applies to observation services received on or after January 1, 2021, with an appeal option for services completed before the law's enactment within 90 days.
  • It simplifies access to Medicare benefits for individuals needing post-hospital care who previously faced challenges due to not meeting the formal inpatient stay criteria.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits