Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
No. Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care.
No
Source: Medicare.gov, Long-term care, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- No
- Which part
- Medicare.gov does not name one part for this item
- What you pay
- You pay all costs.
- Medicare.gov page
- Long-term care
Description
Long-term care (also called "custodial care" or "long-term services and support") includes medical and non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. Most long-term care helps with basic personal tasks of everyday life, sometimes called “activities of daily living.” This includes things like:
- Help with personal care assistance (like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom)
- Home-delivered meals
- Adult day health care
- Transportation
It’s important to start planning for non-medical long-term care now to maintain your independence and make sure you get the care you may need, in the setting you want, now and in the future. If you’re an American Indian or Alaska Native, contact your local Indian health care provider for more information.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Long-term care is different from skilled nursing facility care. Since most long-term care is non-medical, Medicare and most health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don’t pay for long-term care services, including care in a nursing home or in the community. Where can I get more information about long-term care?
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
Although you’re not eligible for long-term care under Medicare, you may be eligible for it through Medicaid (if you meet eligibility requirements in your state), or you can choose to buy private long-term care insurance.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
You pay all costs for non-covered services, including most long-term care.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Facility
You can get non-medical long-term care services at home, in the community, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care?
No
- Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Home Infusion Therapy?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
No. Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care.
How much do you pay for Long-Term Care with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: You pay all costs.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Long-Term Care?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
No. Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi