Will Medicare pay for nursing home or assisted living care?

Answer:

Generally, no. Medicare may cover a limited period of skilled nursing or rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital stay, but it does not pay for ongoing custodial care provided in assisted living communities, memory care residences, or nursing homes. Medicaid may help pay for long-term care after individuals meet financial eligibility requirements, while many families choose Long-Term Care Insurance to help protect their savings and expand future care options.