During the course of a covered Medicare or Medicaid stay, facilities may not charge a resident for the following:
- Nursing services
- Dietary services
- An activities program
- Room/bed maintenance services
- Personal hygiene products that include, but are not limited to:
- Comb and brush
- Soap
- Razor and shaving cream
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Denture adhesive and cleaner
- Moisturizing lotion
- Tissue
- Cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Deodorant
- Incontinence care and supplies
- Napkins
- Towels and washcloths
- Hospital gowns
- Over the counter medicine
- Hair and nail services
- Bathing
- Personal laundry
The following are items and services the facility may charge the resident:
- Phone
- Television or radio for personal use
- Cigarettes and other smoking materials
- Cosmetic products that exceed those covered by Medicare and Medicaid
- Personal clothing
- Books, magazines, and other reading material
- Gifts
- Flowers and plants
- Social events and entertainment offered outside of the facility’s designated activity program
- Private duty care
- Private room, except when medically required
- Specially prepared food not offered on the facility’s menu