Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

January 10 10:05 2018 by ushadmin

It’s estimated that 70% of seniors 65 and over will end up needing some type of long-term care, whether it’s a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors retain some degree of independence by providing what’s known as custodial care, which encompasses help with functions such as bathing and dressing. Nursing homes, by contrast, are generally more suitable for seniors with medical issues or who need active monitoring.

If you’re struggling to function on your own but aren’t at the point where you need a nursing home, it pays to look into the assisted living communities in your area — assuming you can afford one. Unfortunately, assisted living doesn’t come cheap. And the kicker? Medicare won’t help pay for it.

Medicare has its limitations

Though Medicare provides critical health benefits to millions of retired seniors, there are certain services it won’t cover, like dental care, vision care, and long-term care, which includes assisted living. The services offered by most assisted living facilities generally fall under the category of custodial care, which Medicare won’t pay for because it’s not medical care in the traditional sense…