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Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
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.
Do other government programs pay for assisted living?
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.
What are some other options to pay for assisted living?
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.