
Medicare coverage
How to change Medicare Part D plansAs you get older, you may need some kind of long-term care. Assisted living is one option for people who can generally take care of themselves, but need some help managing things like housekeeping, meals or other chores. Residents at an assisted living facility usually don’t need the type of round-the-clock care provided in a nursing home.
Medicare won’t cover most assisted living costs. Medicare does not pay for “custodial care,” a term referring to help with daily life tasks, such as eating, bathing or dressing. Most of the care given at an assisted living facility is considered custodial care. But there are some assisted living costs that Medicare may cover.
Medicare usually won’t cover custodial care, but under certain conditions, it may cover skilled nursing care. This is care usually provided or supervised by a certified nursing professional or doctor. It includes services like physical therapy or changing sterile dressings. In assisted living environments, this care may be covered by Medicare Part A.
However, you won’t usually get skilled nursing care at an assisted living facility. Assisted living normally provides custodial care and supervision, but not the type of medical treatment typically found in a nursing home. But there are a few things in an assisted living facility that Medicare may help cover, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments or some preventive health services.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that may provide some coverage for assisted living. Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid. The types of care covered by Medicaid and income qualifications for the program vary from state to state. Visit
Medicare Part A may cover skilled nursing care in some long-term settings. However, Part A only pays for these services for up to 100 days. Medicare Part A can help cover skilled nursing care in certain conditions for a limited time if all of these conditions are met:
Medicare Advantage, sometimes called Medicare Part C, may help cover some long-term care costs. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurers and include everything covered by Part A and Part B. These plans also sometimes help pay for services not offered by Part A and Part B, like personal or custodial care. Not all Medicare plans are the same. Costs and coverage options may vary from plan to plan or between insurance providers.
The price of assisted living can vary based on several factors. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $4,500 a month.1 It’s important to remember that what you pay for assisted living may differ based on where you live, the type of facility you choose, or the level of care and service provided.
Medicare Part A only covers skilled nursing care and only for up to 100 days. If you need help with other costs of assisted living, you may have other options:
Making a move to an assisted living facility is a big decision. Even if you can live on your own, the National Institute on Aging recommends talking to friends and family to make a plan for long-term care in the future. Planning ahead could help you navigate assisted living costs and make informed decisions based on your needs. People with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments should make plans for long-term care as soon as they can.
Medicare coverage
How to change Medicare Part D plansMedicare coverage
How to enroll in Medicare Part DMedicare coverage
Does Medicare cover long-term care?