Final answer:
Medicare only covers nursing home care when it's part of treatment for a covered illness or injury, following at least a three-day hospital stay, and when a deductible has been met.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicare covers nursing home care only if it is part of treatment for a covered illness or injury. This typically includes skilled nursing care and therapy services following a hospital stay of at least three days. It is important to note that Medicare Part A offers this coverage with specific conditions, such as a required hospital stay, the necessity for skilled nursing care, and the nursing home being Medicare-certified. Patients must also meet the deductible before Medicare begins to pay for these services. Medicare does not cover non-medical, long-term care or stays in a nursing home beyond a certain time. Also, age is not a restriction beyond the eligibility starting age of 65; coverage does not become more restricted or open at age 80.