Swing bed (or Skilled Nursing Care) is a Medicare program designed to provide additional inpatient care to those needing extra time to heal or strengthen before returning home. The term swing bed came from the idea that the patient will “swing,” or transition, from inpatient acute care through the program to return home to the same level of independence prior to entering the hospital.

Swing Bed Services

• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy
• Wound Care

Who pays for Swing Bed?

Medicare is the primary payer of swing bed services, however many commercial insurance companies also provide swing bed (skilled nursing) coverage. Questions regarding your commercial insurance coverage should be directed to you insurance carrier. Information regarding Medicare coverage can be found at www.medicare.gov or by calling 800.633.4227.

Most commercial insurance companies structure their swing bed coverage similar to the requirements and time frames of Medicare. Medicare will cover swing bed care for up to 100 days with various co-pay charges. The length of stay for a swing bed patient is dependent upon the patient’s progress and is determined by the physician and patient care team working with the patient. Sometimes, after the patient has completed the swing bed program, he/she may need additional help adjusting to living at home again. In those cases, Memorial Home Health can provide in-home care to complete the recovery and transition process.