Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
The short answer: mostly no. Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay -- but not the custodial care most people need in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
70% of people turning 65 will need long-term care. The average cost in Florida exceeds $100,000 per year.
What Medicare Does Cover
Medicare covers short-term skilled care in specific situations. Here is exactly what qualifies.
Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
Days 1-20 at 100%; Days 21-100 with $209.50/day copay (2026)
Home health care
Skilled nursing, PT, OT, speech therapy
Hospice care
Comfort care for terminal illness
Inpatient rehabilitation
After qualifying hospital stay
What Medicare Does NOT Cover
These are the services most people think of when they say "long-term care" -- and Medicare pays for none of them.
2026 Long-Term Care Costs in Florida
Florida costs are near the national average. Planning ahead is essential.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (semi-private) | $8,500-$12,000/mo | $102,000-$144,000 |
| Nursing Home (private room) | $10,000-$14,000/mo | $120,000-$168,000 |
| Assisted Living | $3,500-$6,500/mo | $42,000-$78,000 |
| Memory Care | $5,000-$9,000/mo | $60,000-$108,000 |
| Home Health Aide (44 hrs/wk) | $4,500-$6,000/mo | $54,000-$72,000 |
How to Plan for Long-Term Care Costs
There is no single right answer -- the best strategy depends on your age, health, assets, and family situation.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Dedicated insurance that pays for nursing home, assisted living, or home care. Best purchased in your 50s or early 60s before health issues make you uninsurable. Premiums increase with age.
Hybrid Life/LTC Policies
Life insurance with a long-term care rider. If you need LTC, the death benefit pays for care. If you don't, your heirs receive the death benefit. No "wasted" premiums.
Medicaid Planning
Medicaid covers long-term care for people with limited assets. Proper planning with an elder law attorney can help protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid coverage.
Self-Insuring
Using personal savings, investments, or home equity to pay for long-term care. Viable for high-net-worth individuals who can absorb $100,000+ per year in care costs.
Long-Term Care FAQ
Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
Medicare only covers skilled nursing facility care for a limited time after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay. It covers days 1-20 at 100%, days 21-100 with a $209.50/day copay, and nothing after day 100. Medicare does not cover custodial care -- help with daily activities like bathing and dressing.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid for long-term care?
Medicare is health insurance for people 65+ regardless of income. It covers medical care but not long-term custodial care. Medicaid is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. Medicaid does cover long-term nursing home care, but you must meet strict financial eligibility requirements.
How much does long-term care cost in Florida?
Florida nursing home costs average $8,500-$12,000 per month for a semi-private room. Assisted living averages $3,500-$6,500 per month. Memory care runs $5,000-$9,000 per month. The average length of a long-term care need is 2.5 years, meaning total costs can easily exceed $200,000.
When should I buy long-term care insurance?
The best time to buy long-term care insurance is in your mid-50s to early 60s. Premiums are lower when you are younger and healthier. By age 70, premiums become very expensive and health issues may make you uninsurable. About 30% of applicants over 70 are declined.
Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan for long-term care?
Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited home care benefits, adult day care, or caregiver support services. However, these benefits are supplemental and do not replace comprehensive long-term care coverage. Review your plan's Evidence of Coverage for specific benefits.
Related Medicare Guides
Primary Service Area — County Medicare Guides
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