mr. roscam's state of illinois. they have run into problems with the way they were classified. in your experience, do beneficiaries generally know whether they are classify ied a inparkts or under observation status? in your experience. >> most patients do not know that they are in observation and the medicare program does not require hospitals to tell them. >> do they have a right to know that? >> they should have a right to know it, yes. they should. >> now, when do patients generally find out what their status is. >> usually, at the time of discharge. >> when they don't pay their bills. >> you mentioned earlier observation status is particularly problematic in a skilled nursing facility after leaving the hospital. because medcare won't cover these services unless a patient has been classified as an inpatient for at least three days? am i right so far. >> yes. >> ms. eddelman, in the cases your organization has handed, what is happening to observation status patients. in need of care at a skilled nursing facility. after leaving the hospital. tryings to appeal between the admi