Does Medicare cover memory care?

Memory care is a type of long-term residential care for people living with Alzheimer's, dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Care can be given in a skilled nursing facility, a special unit in an assisted living community or a person’s home. 

A few key features of memory care include:

• Staff trained to care for people with dementia
• Daily routines to lower confusion and stress
• 24-hour supervision and secured exits 
• Medication management

Here are some services Medicare may help pay for.

Memory care coverage under Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

Skilled nursing facility

Part A may cover a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay. This can apply if a person needs skilled nursing care, rehabilitation or other medically necessary services. 

Home healthcare

For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, home healthcare may support recovery after an illness, injury or hospitalization. However, Medicare doesn’t typically cover in-home custodial care or 24-hour supervision.

Hospice

Part A may cover hospice care for people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease or dementia if a doctor certifies they’re eligible. Services may include nursing support, medications, counseling and medical equipment.

Cognitive testing

Part B may cover cognitive testing if a doctor or qualified provider is checking for signs of cognitive impairment. The testing may be used to help identify Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other causes of memory loss.

Mental health services

Medicare covers mental healthcare for dementia-related emotional or behavioral issues. Coverage includes visits with psychiatrists or therapists to address anxiety, depression or agitation.

Doctor visits

Part B covers visits with primary care doctors and specialists, like neurologists, who diagnose and treat dementia. It also covers care-planning visits after a diagnosis to help you and your family understand treatment options and next steps.

How does Medicare Advantage (Part C) cover memory care?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same medically necessary memory care services as Original Medicare. Some plans may include extra benefits like transportation, meal delivery and care coordination. 

Can Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) help with memory-related care?

Yes. Medicare Supplement plans are optional coverage you can add to Original Medicare. They help pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance on covered services. Medigap doesn’t cover long-term memory care, but it can help lower your share of the costs. 

Does Medicare Part D cover memory care medications?

Yes. Medicare Part D helps cover medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease or manage mood and behavior symptoms. Coverage depends on your specific drug plan, so check your plan's formulary to see what’s included.

What memory care services are not covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers many medically necessary services, but it doesn’t cover every type of memory care. Here are 2 examples.

Room and board

Medicare pays $0 toward room and board in memory care or assisted living settings. 

Custodial care

Custodial care helps with daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating. Medicare generally doesn’t cover custodial care when it’s the only care a person needs.

Learn more about Medicare

For more information on the costs, coverage and types of Medicare plans, check out our library of Medicare articles . To see Medicare plans in your area with their premiums, copays and participating doctors and pharmacies, visit our Humana Medicare plans page .