Sometimes, a person’s age and health mean they cannot care for themselves alone anymore. It’s a sad fact, but one that every senior must consider. If you have Medicare, you might wonder if your plan will help pay for some or any of the long-term care 
you might need? It is a complicated subject, but let’s take a closer look at this question.
Original Medicare often places restrictions on what long-term care services it will cover. However, there are outlets available to help you still afford these costs.
Medicare and Long-term Care Costs
Let’s say that, as you age, you’ll need to live in a nursing home. You might have to go to this home because you can no longer care for yourself on your own. Once you enter the home, you’ll be able to receive nursing care and assistance round-the-clock. So, you’ll often have critical care for things that you cannot provide for yourself.
Still, long-term care costs money. The average cost of a nursing home or other facility might cost thousands of dollars per month. You might wonder whether Medicare will cover your stay in the nursing home. After all, it insures a multitude of senior health needs.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover a long-term stay in a nursing home. So, if you simply must move to a home in your old age, your policy likely won’t provide any help.
But don’t let that stop you. There are certain times when your Medicare will cover a stay in a nursing home. You also have other Medicare options that might cover such occurrences.
Expanded Options for Coverage
Though Medicare won’t cover a long-term home stay, it will cover certain other services. Your policy might pay for:
- A temporary nursing home stay following a hospitalization
- Hospice services
- Skilled home health services
Also, you might be able to expand your Medicare by enrolling in Medigap insurance. Medigap plans supplement your Medicare and pay for services Original Medicare coverage does not. Multiple Medigap policies exist, and many will cover long-term care services.
You will have to enroll in this coverage separately from your Original Medicare.
- You must have both Original Parts A & B to qualify for a Medigap plan.
- You cannot carry a Medicare Advantage Plan and enroll in a Medigap Plan.
Remember, you will have to pay a premium for these services.
If a Medigap plan interests you, contact one of our agents at 877-209-4949. We’ll help you discuss your qualifications and the plan’s financing. If you can enroll in a plan covering nursing homes, we’ll help you get it.