Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

​The need for long-term care is more common as you get older. People who can take proper care of themselves but require assistance with daily tasks may benefit from assisted living.

Medicare does not cover most of the expenditures of assisted living. Although most care is provided at an assisted-living facility, Medicare may pay part of the expenses.

Assisted Living Costs Covered
Custodial care is normally not covered by Medicare; however, you may cover it under specific circumstances. A doctor or a qualified nursing professional often provides or supervises this kind of care. Physical therapy and changing sterile dressings are among the treatments included. Medicare Part A may pay for these services if you live in an assisted living facility.

An assisted living facility is unlikely to provide you with access to competent nursing care. In most cases, assisted living does not provide the same level of medical care as a traditional nursing home. A few items at an assisted-living facility, including transportation to physicians' visits or other preventive healthcare services, may be covered by Medicare.

Medicare Long-term Care Coverage
In certain long-term care facilities, skilled nursing care may be covered under Medicare Part A. There is a time limit of 100 days on how long Part A will cover certain services under the plan. For a short time, it may assist pay for skilled nursing care if the following requirements are met:

1. If you have Medicare Part A, you can spend a few days remaining in your benefit period.
2. You meet the criteria for a hospital stay.
3. Your physician has determined that you need ongoing skilled nursing care.
4. Medicare has certified the skilled nursing facility (SNF) where you receive skilled services.

In the situation that you are experiencing a medical issue that needs the knowledge and experience of the following professionals:

1. Treatment for a hospital-related health condition during your 3-day qualifying inpatient stay in the hospital, even if the hospitalization was not the purpose of the treatment.
2. A condition that began while undergoing treatment in the SNF for a health condition that began in the hospital

Conclusion
There are several considerations involved in moving into an assisted living facility. A potential long-term care plan should be discussed with loved ones even if you can live independently. Generally, a strategic plan will help you manage assisted living expenses and make well-informed choices about your future care.

At Lapeira & Associates LLC, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We're here to help you locate the right coverage for you. By contacting (855) 963-6900, you may learn more about our goods and services. Get a free quote by CLICKING HERE. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!