Long-term care
Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care
Description
Long-term care includes medical and non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. Most long-term care helps with basic personal tasks of everyday life, sometimes called “activities of daily living.” This may include:
- Help with personal care assistance (like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom)
- Home-delivered meals
- Adult day health care
- Transportation
It’s important to start planning for non-medical long-term care now to maintain your independence and make sure you get the care you may need, in the setting you want, now and in the future. If you’re an American Indian or Alaska Native, contact your local Indian health care provider for more information.
How can I find out about long-term care options if I’m currently in a hospital or nursing home?
Coverage details
Medicare and most health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) , don’t pay for long-term care services, including care in a nursing home or in the community. Where can I get more information about long-term care?
Who's eligible
Although you’re not eligible for long-term care under Medicare, you may be eligible for it through Medicaid (if you meet eligibility requirements in your state), or you can choose to buy private long-term care insurance.
Costs
You pay 100% for non-covered services, including most long-term care.
Facility
You can get non-medical long-term care services at home, in the community, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service