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 6 licensed agents

This is a great question and I am pleased to hear that you are thinking about this proactively.

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 Samantha Jellison Medicare Insurance Agent
This is such an important question, and one that doesn’t get asked enough. Medicare clearly states in the Medicare and You handbook that it does not cover long-term care—things like help with bathing, dressing, or full-time nursing home care. Many people assume it’s included, only to find out later that it’s not, and by then it's almost always too late to get it because they can no longer qualify based on their health. The good news is there are several ways to prepare for long-term care costs, and we can help you explore options that don’t follow the old use-it-or-lose-it model. Today’s plans often provide a benefit whether you use the care yourself or pass it on to a beneficiary. Planning early not only protects your retirement savings—it also gives you more choices and peace of mind for the future.

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent
medicare does not provide long term care however i would suggest purchasing long term care now while your young to keep the premiums lower because they raise the older you are when you sign up for a plan

Answered by Ray McCauley on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare does not provide long term care. The only care provided by Medicare in a Skilled Nursing Facility is for rehab ordered by a doctor after a surgery. That coverage ends at 100 days and often ends sooner if the patient stops progressing. For traditional nursing home custodial coverage, a long-term-care policy would need to be purchased.

Answered by Jane Ahrens on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AL, AZ & 15 other states

Answered by Jane Ahrens Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare unfortunately does not cover long term care. However skilled nursing facilities, some home health care, and hospice are covered. If you’re looking for long term care coverage your best bet would to be looking into life insurance policies with a “long term care rider”, your premium would change depending upon the length of the benefit I.e. a 3. yr benefit period would be less than a 10 yr or lifetime period. I would strongly encourage doing this now. If you try to wait till you need it you will probably get denied.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare doesn’t cover most long-term care, like assisted living or help with daily activities. It only covers short-term rehab after a hospital stay. If you're thinking ahead, it's smart to look into long-term care insurance or talk with a financial planner.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Coverage

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Have insights or experiences related to this topic? Help others by sharing your knowledge and answering this question.

Add Your Answer
Related Questions

Agent Locator

Find a local Medicare insurance agent near you, just enter your zip code to get started!

No personal information required to access the agent directory.
It's 100% Free and 100% Private.

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub does not sell insurance. We help seniors in all 50 states easily and quickly look up local, licensed Medicare insurance specialists in their area. We have made it our mission to maintain the internet's most comprehensive Medicare insurance agent directory.

Follow Us on:

Browse Local Agents by City

Learn & Explore

Agent Center

Government Required Disclaimer: Agents may not offer every plan available in your area. Any information provided is limited to those plans agents do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Medicare Agents Hub is a directory and does not sell Medicare insurance. The professionals listed on this website are independent and responsible for their own marketing practices. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Medicare Agents Hub is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

About | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Accessibility

© 2025 MedicareAgentsHub.com. All Rights Reserved.