Long-Term-Care
Long-term care is the support and services provided to individuals who can no longer perform basic daily activities on their own, such as bathing, dressing, or eating often due to aging, chronic illness, or disability. It can be delivered at home, in assisted living facilities, or nursing homes, and the costs can be significant. Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover these costs, but in reality, Medicare offers very limited long-term care coverage, usually only for short-term rehabilitation.
As a result, the financial responsibility often falls on individuals and their families, which can quickly deplete savings. Medicaid may help, but only after meeting strict income and asset requirements. Planning for long-term care is essential to protect your savings, maintain your independence, and ensure you receive quality care without placing a financial burden on your family. Incorporating long-term care planning into your overall financial strategy is a key part of securing your future.
How Much is Covered by Medicare
Medicare is designed to cover short-term, medically necessary care, not long-term support. For ongoing custodial care, individuals must rely on personal savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid, which has strict financial eligibility requirements. Medicare provides very limited coverage for long-term care and it’s important to understand what it does and doesn’t pay for.
Short-Term Skilled Nursing Care:
Medicare Part A may cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility only after a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 consecutive days.Days 1–20: 100% covered by Medicare
Days 21–100: You pay a daily coinsurance (in 2025, it's approximately $204 per day)
After Day 100: You pay all costs out of pocket
Home Health Care:
Medicare may cover part-time skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy at home, but it does not cover 24-hour care, meals, custodial care, or help with daily activities like bathing or dressing if that’s the only assistance needed.Hospice Care:
Medicare covers most hospice care services for terminally ill patients, usually provided in the home or a hospice facility.Long-Term Custodial Care:
Medicare does not cover custodial care—non-medical help with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating)—if that’s the only care you need.