If I need long-term care in the future, how does Medicare fit into that plan, and what should I be doing now to prepare?
Answered by 13 licensed agents
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover long-term care, such as your stay in a nursing/retirement home or having someone come to your own home daily for custodial care (bathing, dressing, feeding, ect.).
You should consider discussing a Long-Term Care policy with your agent/broker.
One thing to note is that as you age, these policies become more expensive. In many cases, people faced with the situation to enter Long-Term care may have to apply for Medicaid in order to receive any financial assistance or cover their costs. In some cases, extended family members may be able to contribute, however it can end up being a hefty financial burden.
Answered by Samantha Jellison on March 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, FL & SC
Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Ray McCauley on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN
Answered by Robert Moore on May 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL & 11 other states
Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states
Medicare does cover 90 standard days for long-term acute care at a hospital.
Currently, Medicare will pay for Home Healthcare for as long as you qualify. However, you plan of care must be recertified every 60 days by your doctor. If a person has a three -day inpatient stay at a hospital or has a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility ( SNF) stay, Part A will cover up to 100 days.
If you are considering the purchase of Long term care Insurance, these guidelines vary from State to State. In retirement planning, you may want to consider purchasing a Long Term care Insurance policy to protect your assets. There are also short term care insurance policy available as well. When planning for Long term care needs, there is no need to settle for just one solution. You may want to consider looking at Traditional Long term care insurance, Asset- based LTC policies or even consider stacking them together. National Association of Insurance Commissioners wrote a Shopper's Guide to help you understand long-term care and the insurance options you may choose.
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-ltc-lp-shoppers-guide-long-term.pdf
Answered by Pamela Camey on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, FL, IA & 7 other states
Answered by Jane Ahrens on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, AL, AZ & 16 other states
Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in AZ & UT
Answered by Rebecca Bilbrey on April 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, CO & 6 other states
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
How Medicare fits in:
Medicare covers short-term skilled care (like rehab after a hospital stay), usually up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility if certain conditions are met.
It does not cover long-term custodial care, like help with bathing, dressing, or eating if that's all you need.
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer limited extra benefits, but they still do not cover full-time long-term care.
What you should be doing now:
1. Explore long-term care insurance or hybrid life/long-term care policies—these can help pay for care in the future.
2. Consider short-term care plans that fill gaps in Medicare coverage.
3. Create a financial plan for care needs—including home modifications, in-home support, or assisted living.
4. Talk with a specialist about Medicaid planning if you think you may eventually need state assistance.
5. Document your wishes with a healthcare directive and involve family in your planning.
Preparing now gives you more options, better care, and less stress for your loved ones later. If you want help reviewing your coverage and planning ahead, I’m happy to walk through it with you.
Answered by Chuck Winslow on May 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN
Answered by Louanne Allison on April 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, FL, IL & OH, TN, TX & UT
Answered by Aaron Young on April 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in OK, AR, GA & 6 other states
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