Senior Health 1 min read

Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for Assisted Living

Key takeaways
  • Medicare generally does not cover assisted living facility costs because this care is typically considered custodial rather than medical.
  • Medicaid may cover some assisted living services, such as personal care, but coverage varies by state and may exclude room and board.

Medicare generally does not cover the costs of assisted living facilities. Medicare is primarily health insurance, and while it covers many healthcare costs, it does not typically cover long-term care in assisted living facilities. This type of care is often considered custodial rather than medical.

Medicaid, on the other hand, may cover some of the costs associated with assisted living, but this varies greatly from state to state. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Some states have Medicaid programs that cover some services provided in assisted living facilities, such as personal care, but not the cost of room and board. It’s important to check the specific provisions of Medicaid in the relevant state for more detailed information.

This article follows our editorial standards. We cite primary sources, note study limitations, and update articles when the evidence changes.

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