Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?
No, it does not.
While traditional Medicare supports older adults’ medical needs, it does not apply to most assisted living expenses. Assisted living facilities help residents with every day, nonmedical tasks, which Medicare typically does not include.
Medicare Part A insures people for hospital stays and up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-7 short-term nursing care. Because they deliver medical care, they are distinct from assisted living facilities, which offer custodial or daily life care.
Medicare Part B pays for medical fees for outpatient care, and Part D covers prescription drug costs. Most assisted living expenses do not fall under Medicare Part A, B, or D.
However, traditional Medicare may cover specific medical costs for people in assisted living.
Expenses Medicare may cover include:
Physical therapy, Specific health services like changing sterile dressings, Preventative health services like vaccinations, and Health care transportation.
What about Medicare Advantage Plans, Does it Pay for Assisted Living?
Like original Medicare, these plans typically do not cover monthly assisted living bills. Certain Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental home care benefits that help people continue living independently, albeit in their own homes rather than a designated facility. The services available through select Medicare Advantage programs may include home modifications like wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety grab bars, in-home assistance with daily tasks, and transportation to the hospital and the pharmacy. Adult daycare is also available through some Medicare Advantage plans. All plans are different, so be sure to review your plan options.
Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Unlike Medicare, Medicaid generally will pay for some of the assisted living costs. Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income people. In Florida, there is a waitlist for assisted living assistance from Medicaid. Contact our office so we can help guide you through the process. Once the benefits start, you will save between $1,200 and $1,600 a month on your assisted living costs.
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