Does Medicare cover long-term care (nursing home)?
Mostly no — this is the biggest Medicare myth. Original Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care (ongoing help with daily living). It only covers limited, short-term skilled care.
Reviewed by Brad S. · Licensed Florida Health Insurance Agent
Updated June 2026. Written and reviewed by a licensed agent at United Liberty Insurance Agency LLC to ensure accuracy. We cite official sources (HealthCare.gov, CMS, KFF) wherever possible.
What you need to know
- Medicare does NOT cover custodial long-term care — help with bathing, dressing, eating, or supervision — in a nursing home or assisted living.
- It DOES cover up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay, with cost-sharing after day 20 (this is short-term rehab, not long-term care).
- Long-term care is usually paid through Medicaid (after spend-down), long-term care insurance, or out of pocket.
What this means for your wallet
Because this gap surprises so many families, it's worth planning ahead. A licensed agent can explain how Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and separate long-term care coverage fit together.
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Related coverage questions
Source: CMS Medicare Coverage Database (National Coverage Determinations) and Medicare.gov. Coverage rules can change and may vary by situation; this page is educational and not a guarantee of coverage. For official determinations, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.