Medicaredoes not cover the cost of custodial long-term care, including nursing home care.
What Is a Nursing Home?
Unfortunately, many seniors in nursing homes are there for reasons of safety.
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It is estimated that 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day through 2030.Life expectancyis also on the rise.
For a private room, it was $10,646 per month.
Nursing home costs vary based on where you live.
Does Medicare Pay for Nursing Home Care?
Skilled nursing care is care provided by registered nurses under the supervision of a doctor.
CMS defines inpatient care in very specific ways.
This means you cannot be in the hospital receiving care that could just as easily be administered elsewhere.
For days 21 to 100, you will pay $209.50 per day in 2025.
What Services Does Medicare Pay For?
You may have other options to continue to receive care, depending on your circumstances.
Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid, as the program is designed to help people with low incomes.
For children, pregnant women, and adults under age 65, Medicaid eligibility is based solely only income.
But for adults age 65 or older,Medicaid eligibility requires both a low income and very limited assets.
You will need tolook up requirements for your stateto see if you qualify.
Many seniors spend down their assets to qualify for Medicaid.
Others try toprotect their assetsby transferring them to family and loved ones.
This will depend on how much money you transfer and in what state you live.
These insurance plans are used to pay for around 10% of nursing home expenses in the United States.
These premiums usually get higher the older you get, especially if your health is on the decline.
Medicare doesn’t cover custodial long-term care, either at home or in a nursing home.
Medicare.gov.Skilled nursing facility care.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Custodial Care vs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Vital Health Statistics.Long-term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control.Nursing Home Care.
U.S. Census Bureau.2020 Census Will Help Policymakers Prepare for the Incoming Wave of Aging Boomers.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.FastStats - Life Expectancy.
Medina L, Sabo S, Vespa J.Population Estimates and Projections Current Population Reports.
Alzheimers Association.Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.
Genworth.Cost of Care Survey.
U.S. Social Security Administration.Monthly Statistical Snapshot, January 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Two-Midnight Rule.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
Medicare.gov.Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
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