What are my Medicare options if I move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Question

David Silver · Accepted Answer

If you move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), you can keep Original Medicare (Parts A & B) with a Medigap plan and Part D for prescriptions, or choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that may include drug coverage and extra benefits. While some CCRCs may suggest certain plans or have preferred providers, you are free to select any Medicare option that best fits your needs. It’s important to review your coverage as your healthcare needs evolve over time.

Answered by David Silver on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV

Answered by David Silver Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

This is called long-term care services. Medicare does not typically cover long-term care expenses associated with retirement communities. However, Medicare Part A & B covers medically necessary services such as physician visits, hospitalization, and some DME services, which depend upon the type of facility and how it is classified by the state.

Answered by Larry Dalton on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

There are many options available depending upon the community that you move in and the type of plan that you want to have such as a Medicare supplement or a Medicare advantage plan.
Some Medicare supplement plans will not approve a policy for people living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, however all Medicare Advantage plans will accommodate your needs.

For more information contact George Ibanez.

Nikki Rowland · Answer

So, You keep your Medicare choices. Moving into a retirement community doesn’t change your eligibility or options. You can still choose between:

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) with optional Medigap and Part D for prescriptions

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which may include drug coverage and extra benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs

However, Medicare does not cover room and board. The cost of living in a CCRC—housing, meals, custodial care, and amenities—is typically private pay. Medicare doesn’t cover these non-medical expenses.

Misty Bolt · Answer

It depends on the county and zipcode that you live in. Also want to make sure the doctors  and pharmacy on staff at CCRC are in the network of which plan you choose.

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-are-my-medicare-options-if-i-move-into-a-continuing-care-retirement-community-ccrc#steven-litzsinger

Luke Rhoads · Answer

Medicare and it's associated plans and options do not cover the room and board cost of a continuing care retirement community. Although medicare plans will provide coverage for some of the services that may be available in such a community like skilled nursing and dr visits.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Zaruba · Answer

Often the reason for and elder person on Medicare will need these options to sustain a good quality of life due to a chronic illness or maybe an accident. If this is the case, be sure to find the phone number of the Department of Aging in your county and state. They may send out an evaluator to help them be sure they have any necessary help needed. After an assessment has been conducted, the county may review the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) and that information will be passed on to the Medicare Plan they work with and they may receive specific help. I would also contact the county consortium in your state to see what level you need help for.

Answered by Mark Zaruba on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in WI & IA

Answered by Mark Zaruba Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

The Medicare options don’t change because you’re in that type of facility. But, just to be on the safe side, always verify that the procedures you intend to use will be performed for the least amount of cost to you. Interview a few facilities with good reputations and ask them all the same questions, while taking notes. Then, determining their answers & the costs involved should give you the confidence to choose the right one.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on August 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Medicare generally doesn't cover the overall cost of living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), but it can cover specific medical services received within the CCRC, such as skilled nursing care if needed. The specific coverage depends on the individual's plan and the CCRC's policies. Medicare Advantage plans might offer additional benefits for CCRC care.

Answered by Diana Garner on June 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN

Answered by Diana Garner Medicare Insurance Agent

April Cintron · Answer

You would still receive all the Medicare benefits.   Nothing would change.  Maybe chose a different plan to better accommodate you tho.  Feel free to reach out to me if you need to.  Thank you

Steven Kirsch · Answer

Individuals living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community have the same Medicare options as any other Medicare-eligible person. You have the option to enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Gap Plan) with a prescription drug plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which may even have a $0 cost.

Answered by Steven Kirsch on November 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI

Answered by Steven Kirsch Medicare Insurance Agent

Victor Gerber · Answer

You can stay with your current coverage, or if you have Medicare Advantage plan it can be changed to other plan that may be better for institutionalized individuals.

Fred Manas · Answer

What Medicare Does Cover in a CCRC:
Skilled Nursing Care: Medicare may cover medically necessary skilled nursing care in a CCRC's healthcare center, especially if it's a short-term stay following a hospital stay. 
Physician Services: Medicare covers doctor visits and other medically necessary services provided within the CCRC. 
Hospital Stays: If a resident needs to be hospitalized, Medicare can cover those costs. 
Medical Supplies: Medicare may cover the cost of certain medical supplies, like wheelchairs or walkers, if a resident needs them.
 
What Medicare Does Not Cover in a CCRC:
Room and Board: Medicare does not cover the cost of housing, meals, or non-medical care in the CCRC. 
Assisted Living Services: Medicare does not cover services like bathing, dressing, or transferring, which are typically part of assisted living. 
Long-Term Nursing Home Care: While Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing care, it generally doesn't cover long-term stays in a CCRC's nursing home unit. 
Factors to Consider:
CCRC Contract: The type of residency contract you have with the CCRC will impact how costs are handled when skilled nursing care is needed. 
Long-Term Care Insurance: You may have long-term care insurance that can help cover costs beyond what Medicare covers. 
Medicaid: Medicaid may be an option for low-income individuals who qualify for long-term care. 
Medicare Part A and Part B: Medicare Part A covers hospitalization and skilled nursing care, while Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. 
Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, but they still generally don't cover long-term care expenses.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Medicare may cover specific services like physician care and hospitalization within a CCRC. Medicare doesn't typically cover the cost of living in a CCRC itself, but it can be used for related medical expenses.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Jack Mayer · Answer

I think a person in that situation may want to make sure they have a managed Care model that is part of their healthcare assuming that they can qualify for that type of plan which is basically a Medicare Advantage plan with managed Care for those that qualify.

Answered by Jack Mayer on March 30, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA & NV

Answered by Jack Mayer Medicare Insurance Agent

Don Hansford · Answer

Depending on your current coverage, you may have to change plans to one that the onsite providers accept. As there are different levels of care available at these type of facilities, not all services would be covered by Medicare.

Answered by Don Hansford on September 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Don Hansford Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

* You can keep Original Medicare (A & B).
* Medicare Advantage depends on plan network—check local coverage.
* You can keep Part D, but CCRCs may offer their own drug plan.
* Medigap can stay, but some CCRCs may not accept it for billing.

Check with the CCRC on how they coordinate with Medicare.

Toni Chavez · Answer

Thanks for your question!

Your Medicare options stay the same when you move into a CCRC, but the plan that works best for you might change depending on how the facility delivers care. It’s important to make sure your Medicare coverage lines up with how the CCRC provides services so you don’t run into unexpected costs or limited access to care.

Here are a few things I always recommend 

Ask the CCRC  before moving.
Which Medicare plans work best here?
Do your in-house doctors take 

Medicare Advantage plans?

Look over any agreements closely.
Some CCRCs include certain services in your monthly fee, but that doesn’t mean Medicare won’t still be needed for things like hospital or skilled nursing care.

Ken Banks · Answer

Options are limitless.  Options are based on an individual basis. Everyone needs are different and unique.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

Nothing changes for you as Medicare is your health insurance.  It does not pay for for your housing

Dominic Javier · Answer

PACE - Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) should be an option. PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program offered in many states that allows people who need a nursing home-level of care to remain in the community, like home, apartment, or other appropriate setting. PACE covers all Medicare and Medicaid -covered care and services the team of healthcare professionals decides are necessary to improve and maintain your health.

Answered by Dominic Javier on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

John Messler · Answer

If you smoke but stay in your same state and county, You don’t need to make any changes. Medicare does not pay for long term care. If did change markets, you would have a special enrollment period. This would allow you to select a plan in that market. If you are on a Medicare supplement, you don’t need to do anything.

Answered by John Messler on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent

Roberto Alonso · Answer

Your Medicare coverage goes with you into a CCRC, you do not lose your coverage. But you must excersice care and caution before entering into any CCRC agreements.

There are questions to be answered before you commit. Do they bill Medicare for medical services, what custodial and /or routine care is included in the contract, are there monthly fees and what do they exclude.

Bruce Resnick · Answer

You have the same options as you would if you were living in your own private home. Be advised though that if you use on-site medical services provided by the community operators, they must accept Original Medicare, or a Medicare Supplement, or be in-network with your Medicare Advantage plan in order for their costs to be covered.

Answered by Bruce Resnick on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Bruce Resnick Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Hawes · Answer

Great question and an important one especially if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.   

Medicare coverage does not change when you enter a facility is the bottom line.  As such however, having a Medicare Supplement which has no network will allow you to use doctors in house or in the community.   Some facilities offer transportation to community doctors within a certain radius.   However,  if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will want to check in with the admissions department at the facility to see if their in house doctor(s) are in network, in order to give you the best copay for your visit.   In some areas an Institutional Special Needs Plan may exist, which provide similar benefits as a Medicare Advantage Plan, at little or no cost to you per month.  These plans are generally offered directly to new residents if the facility is in network, and they are not able to be offered by most agents.   So it's worth looking into if you already have an Advantage plan, but compare the network  and benefits carefully between your current plan and the one they have available, especially if you want to continue seeing a doctor in the community.

Joseph Smith · Answer

As far as what Medicare will pay for, Medicare Part A will pay for a portion of care for up to 100 days, but won’t pay any portion after 100 days. As far as options for Medicare plans? If the CRRC you are moving into is outside of your Medicare Advantage Plan’s service area, you will have a special election period to change to another Medicare Advantage Plan

Answered by Joseph Smith on May 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, MD & NC

Answered by Joseph Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Poggemoeller · Answer

When moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), you can continue using your existing Medicare coverage, which includes Original Medicare (Parts A & B) with a Medigap plan and Part D for prescriptions, or you can opt for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. While CCRCs may suggest certain plans or have preferred providers, you have the freedom to choose the Medicare option that best suits your needs. Medicare generally doesn't cover the core costs of a CCRC, like room and board, but it can help with specific medical services within the community

Answered by Gary Poggemoeller on July 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO & IL

Answered by Gary Poggemoeller Medicare Insurance Agent

Carl Berger · Answer

If you’re staying in the same county, most of your plan options will remain the same. But if you’re moving to a different county, you’ll likely qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to review and change plans based on what’s available in that new area.

Some CCRCs include or are affiliated with skilled nursing facilities. In those cases, you might even have access to plans that are specifically tailored to that setup—beyond just traditional Medicare Advantage or Supplement options.

So the key thing is your county and whether your CCRC is partnered with any particular plans. If you’re 65 or older and already have Part A and B, you’ll still be eligible to make Medicare plan choices even after your move.

What are my Medicare options if I move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What are my Medicare options if I move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website