What "long-term care" means
Long-term care, also called custodial care, is help with the basic tasks of everyday life, like dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. It can also include things like home-delivered meals and adult day care. (Medicare.gov: Long-term care)
What Medicare does and doesn't cover
- Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care. Medicare and most health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don't pay for it, whether at home, in the community or in a nursing home. (Medicare.gov: Long-term care)
- Skilled nursing care is different. Medicare Part A can cover care in a skilled nursing facility for a limited time, after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 days in a row. (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care)
- "Observation" time doesn't count. Time in the hospital under observation doesn't count toward that 3-day inpatient stay. (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care)
- Medicare says to always ask the doctor or hospital staff whether Medicare will cover a skilled nursing stay. (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care)
What Medicaid covers
- Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare doesn't normally cover, like nursing home care and personal care services. (Medicare.gov: Medicaid)
- Who qualifies is different in each state. (Medicare.gov: Medicaid)
- If your parent has both Medicare and full Medicaid, Medicare pays first for Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last. (Medicare.gov: Medicaid)
- Medicare's page also names private long-term care insurance as another way people pay for long-term care. (Medicare.gov: Long-term care)
Free help with your parent's situation
- SHIP counselors give free, one-on-one Medicare counseling. (SHIP)
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. (Medicare.gov: Talk to someone)
- Medicaid: to apply or ask about eligibility, contact your state Medicaid agency. (Medicaid.gov: Where to get help)