CMS Pub. 100-02, ch. 9, § 40.2.2

Respite care is short-term inpatient care provided to the individual only when necessary

to relieve the family members or other persons caring for the individual at home. Respite

care may only be provided in a Medicare participating hospital or hospice inpatient

facility, or a Medicare or Medicaid participating nursing facility. Respite care may be

provided only on an occasional basis and may not be reimbursed for more than 5

consecutive days at a time. Respite care provided for more than 5 consecutive days at a

time must be billed as routine home care for day 6 and beyond, and the patient may be

liable for room and board charges for day 6 and beyond. See §40.1.5 for additional

information.