Will medicare cover assisted living

Many people believe Medicare will pay for assisted living, but that’s a common misconception. Assisted living is focused on help with daily living — not medical care — and Medicare is designed to cover health services, not housing or personal care.

Quick Definition

Medicare does not cover non-medical care, room, or board in assisted living. It only pays for medically necessary services.

What Medicare Doesn’t Pay For in Assisted Living

• Assistance with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, eating, or toileting.

• Monthly costs for housing, meals, and non-medical personal care.

• Long-term personal care under Medicare Advantage or supplemental plans.

What Medicare Can Cover While You’re in Assisted Living

• Medically necessary services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and outpatient therapy.

• Short-term care in a skilled nursing facility, if you meet certain medical and stay requirements.

• Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or oxygen) and therapies like physical or occupational therapy.

Why Medicare Doesn’t Cover Assisted Living Itself

• Assisted living is considered custodial care, not medical care.

• Medicare focuses on medical necessity, not housing support.

• Long-term care expenses are usually covered by other sources, not Medicare.

Alternative Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

• Use long-term care insurance that specifically includes assisted living.

• Explore Medicaid waivers or state programs that may help cover personal care.

• Check veterans’ benefits for Aid & Attendance or other relevant support.

• Pay through private sources like retirement savings or pensions.

FAQ

Q1: Can Medicare pay for long-term care in an assisted living facility?
No. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care within assisted living.

Q2: Does Medicare cover rehab in a facility?
Yes, if you first enter a hospital and then go to a skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A can help.

Q3: Will Medicare Advantage cover my assisted living costs?
Generally not. Most Medicare Advantage plans do not include long-term assisted living.

Q4: Does Medicare cover medical care when I live in assisted living?
Yes — Medicare pays for medically needed services like doctor visits or physical therapy while you are there.

Q5: What are my other options to pay for assisted living?
Consider long-term care insurance, Medicaid waiver programs, veterans’ benefits, or personal funds.

Final Summary

Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living itself. It only pays for medical services received during your stay, not for room, board, or help with daily activities. To cover living costs in an assisted living facility, other funding sources like Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or veterans’ benefits are usually needed.

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