But it may not be advisable to enroll in Part B, since you'll have to start paying the monthly premium for services you probably don't need. Many people believe that Medicare pays for long-term care in nursing homes. Even then, Medicare covers only the first 100 days. Confusion arises because SNF's are often housed in regular nursing homes where SNF and non-SNF patients live side by side. As the term suggests, Medicare beneficiaries find big gaps in their coverage.
Retirees bear the full burden.
There are now 10 standard Medigap policies, each offering a different combination of benefits. A blue-ribbon federal reform panel will recommend action in 1999. Inc. All rights reserved.