The cost of caring for an older adult can become difficult for families to manage, especially when a senior needs help with bathing, dressing, meals, transportation, medication, or other daily activities. Care may be provided at home, in an assisted living setting, through adult day services, or in a nursing facility.
Several programs may help eligible seniors and families manage these costs. Medicaid can cover certain long-term care services for people who meet state eligibility requirements, while Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Other options may include long-term care insurance, PACE, veterans' benefits, and local aging services.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility depends on the type of care needed, income, assets, age, health circumstances, and location. Potentially eligible seniors may include:
- Older adults with limited income and resources
- Seniors who need help with daily personal care
- People who require nursing home care
- Seniors with disabilities or chronic health conditions
- Older adults who qualify for Medicaid
- Seniors who receive both Medicare and Medicaid
- Veterans and eligible family members
- Seniors who may qualify for PACE
- Older adults with long-term care insurance
- Families experiencing difficulty paying for necessary senior care
Each program has its own requirements, and qualifying for Medicare does not automatically mean that a senior qualifies for Medicaid or long-term care assistance.
Check What You May Qualify For
A free eligibility check can help identify assistance options based on the senior's income, care needs, location, and other circumstances.
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Available programs vary based on income, location, care needs, and other eligibility requirements.
Types of Assistance for Senior Care
Medicaid Long-Term Care
Medicaid is one of the most important sources of assistance for eligible seniors who need long-term care. Depending on the state and the person's eligibility, Medicaid may help cover nursing facility care and certain home and community-based services.
Home and Community-Based Services
Some Medicaid programs provide services that allow eligible seniors to receive care in their homes or communities instead of moving into a nursing facility. Available services vary by state and may include personal care and other long-term support.
Nursing Home Assistance
Medicare generally does not pay for long-term custodial nursing home care. Medicaid may help eligible seniors with nursing home costs, and many people eventually qualify after using their own resources, depending on their state's rules.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain older adults who need nursing-home-level care but can safely remain in the community. Eligible participants are generally at least 55 years old, live in a PACE service area, and meet the program's care requirements.
Long-Term Care Insurance
A long-term care insurance policy may help pay for services provided at home, in adult day care, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. Coverage varies significantly between policies, so families should review the policy before assuming a particular service is covered.
Veterans Benefits
Some veterans and eligible family members may qualify for assistance with health care or other costs related to care. Veterans should check with the Department of Veterans Affairs or an accredited representative to determine which programs may apply.
What If You Cannot Afford Senior Care
If a family cannot afford private senior care, do not assume that paying the entire cost out of pocket is the only option. Start by determining whether the senior may qualify for Medicaid or other state programs. Medicaid rules differ by state, and some states allow certain applicants with income above a standard limit to qualify after accounting for allowable medical expenses. Families should also ask about home and community-based services, PACE, local aging programs, and other support that could reduce the amount of paid care needed.
How to Find Help Paying for Senior Care
- Identify the type of care needed. Determine whether the senior needs occasional help at home, daily personal care, adult day services, assisted living, or nursing home care.
- Estimate the current cost and review the senior's income and resources.
- Check Medicaid eligibility by contacting the state Medicaid office about long-term care eligibility and available services.
- Ask about home-based services and PACE if the senior is at least 55 and needs nursing-home-level care but can safely live in the community.
- Review insurance policies and veteran resources.
- Apply early, since some programs may have eligibility reviews, waiting lists, or limited availability.