Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

As seniors age, many need extra help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications. Assisted living offers support while allowing older adults to remain as independent as possible. One of the most common questions families ask is:

Does Medicare cover assisted living?

The short answer is no—but there are important exceptions and alternatives. This guide explains Medicare assisted living coverage, what skilled nursing care Medicare does pay for, average costs, and ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities provide housing, meals, housekeeping, and personal care services. While staff may help with medications or coordination of care, assisted living is primarily considered custodial care, not medical care.

This distinction is critical when it comes to Medicare coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

Original Medicare does not cover assisted living costs, including:

  • Room and board

  • Meals

  • Housekeeping

  • Help with bathing, dressing, or eating

Original Medicare consists of:

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Hospital stays, limited skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health services

  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment

Because assisted living is considered long-term custodial care, it is not covered by Medicare.

What Skilled Nursing Care Does Medicare Cover?

Although Medicare does not pay for long-term assisted living, Medicare Part A may cover short-term skilled nursing facility care under specific conditions.

Medicare covers skilled nursing care if:

  • You were hospitalized for at least 3 consecutive days

  • You enter a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility within 30 days

  • A doctor certifies that you need daily skilled care, such as:

    • Physical or occupational therapy

    • Wound care

    • IV medications or injections

How long does Medicare pay?

  • Days 1–20: Medicare pays 100%

  • Days 21–100: Medicare pays part of the cost*

  • After 100 days: You pay all costs

This coverage is temporary and does not extend to long-term care.

*Most Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies will cover this cost.

What Medicare Covers While Living in Assisted Living

Even though Medicare doesn’t pay for assisted living itself, it may still cover medical services you receive there, including:

  • Doctor visits

  • Prescription drugs

  • Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen)

  • Physical therapy or wound care

  • Transportation to medical appointments

If Medicare covered these services before you moved, it will generally continue coverage.

Cost of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

Understanding the cost of long-term care is essential for planning.

  • Average assisted living cost: ~$4,500 per month ($54,000 annually)

  • Skilled nursing facility cost:

    • Shared room: ~$7,900 per month

    • Private room: ~$9,000 per month

Costs vary based on location and level of care.

Alternatives to Medicare Coverage for Assisted Living

If Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living, these options may help:

Long-Term Care Insurance

Designed to cover assisted living, nursing homes, and home health care not paid for by Medicare.

Medicaid

Some states offer Medicaid waiver programs that help cover assisted living for eligible individuals, though availability varies.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for assisted living assistance through VA programs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Some plans include supplemental benefits like:

  • In-home caregiver support

  • Adult day care

  • Transportation and wellness programs

These plans still do not cover assisted living room and board.

Life Insurance Options

Certain life insurance policies can be sold or converted to help pay for long-term care.

Lower-Cost Alternatives to Assisted Living

If assisted living is too expensive, consider:

  • In-home care or home health services

  • Adult day care programs

  • Community-based senior services

  • Subsidized senior housing

  • Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

  • PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)