Author: Andrea Miller
Reviewed By: Kristi Bickmann
Medicare doesn’t generally pay the costs of assisted living. As a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, Medicare pays for medically necessary services, such as treatments, hospital stays, surgeries and doctor visits. That doesn’t include help with activities of daily living and other services provided by assisted living communities.
Medicare primarily consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing needs and some home health expenses. Part B covers outpatient and preventive services, along with a portion of home health care costs. Neither Part A nor Part B pays for assisted living services, such as help with bathing, dressing and grooming.
Depending on your state, you may be able to get help paying for assisted living through Medicaid. This federal and state program provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Federal Medicaid doesn’t pay for long-term care, but some state Medicaid programs have waiver programs you can use for assisted living. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but you generally need to meet certain medical, income and asset criteria.
Planning in advance for long-term care needs can prepare you for the expense of assisted living. Purchasing long-term care insurance in advance can help you pay for room and board at an assisted living facility when you need it. You can also explore state and local programs that help older adults pay for the long-term care they need to remain independent.
