If, and as long as, a patient meets the qualifying conditions described above, Medicare will pay a limited amount for inpatient nursing-facility care.

For the first 20 days in the facility, Medicare pays all covered charges -- excluding only items like a telephone or television or a private room if not medically necessary.

For days 21 to 100 in a nursing facility during any one benefit period, Medicare pays all covered charges except a daily "coinsurance amount" for which patients are personally responsible. In 2009, that amount is $133.50 per day. If the patient is part of a Medicare Part C managed care plan or has a private medigap supplemental insurance policy, that plan or policy might pay some or all of this coinsurance amount.

After 100 days in a covered nursing facility in any one benefit period, Medicare no longer pays any of the cost.