Clarinda, I remember when my Dad was in rehab, Medicare would only pay for 21 days. After that, Medicare/secondary insurance paid a small amount, and the rest would have been out of Dad's pocket. Dad decided to go home as he had improved. Then he had home physical therapy for a couple of months.
My Mom was also in a nursing home after her 21 days, since my Mom was no longer improving, she was allowed to stay there but it was going to cost her $12,000 per month [cost vary from area to area].
Rehab runs for up to 100 days. Now after the first 20 days there maybe a copay if don't have supplemental insurance to cover it. But the medicare benefit is up to 100 days. The SNF might think otherwise but that's the law. If the SNF thinks otherwise you can try to fight it.
My Mom was also in a nursing home after her 21 days, since my Mom was no longer improving, she was allowed to stay there but it was going to cost her $12,000 per month [cost vary from area to area].
The NH where my mom was set up a meeting with me to discuss progress and care. I opted for mom to do a couple of days longer.
Keep in mind that insurance will not pay for the additional time spent at the NH.
What do you know about your mom’s progress? Mom’s doctor also followed rehab up with another round of home health.