Rep. Courtney to unveil Medicare coverage bill

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney is unveiling legislation he says will extend Medicare coverage to more people who need skilled nursing care.

The eastern Connecticut Democrat said the bill would change Medicare policy requiring a patient to have an "inpatient" hospital stay of at least three days in order for Medicare to cover skilled nursing care. Currently, patients who receive hospital care on an "observation status" do not qualify for Medicare coverage, even if they stay in the hospital longer than three days.

Courtney says his bipartisan bill would allow the time spent in the hospital under "observation status" to count toward the required three-day hospital stay.

The congressman will discuss the legislation Wednesday at a news conference at Beechwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and will be joined by affected families.