Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care?
No. Medicare doesn't cover custodial care if it's the only care you need.
No
Source: Medicare.gov, Nursing home care, checked October 23, 2026.
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Draft a plain-English note on whether Medicare covers Nursing Home Care
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- No
- Which part
- Medicare.gov does not name one part for this item
- Medicare.gov page
- Nursing home care
Description
Nursing homes are facilities for people who usually need 24-hour care. Nursing homes can provide:
- Short-term care for people who need rehabilitation after surgery (like physical therapy after a hip or knee replacement) or skilled nursing to recover from an illness (like pneumonia)
- Long-term care (also called “custodial care” or “long-term services and support”) for people who need help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, or eating. Medicare generally doesn’t cover long-term nursing home stays, unless you’re receiving skilled nursing care.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) may cover short-term nursing home or rehab care (up to 100 days) in a Medicare certified nursing home after hospitalization. It must be medically necessary for you to get skilled nursing care (like if you need help changing sterile dressings).
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits and physical, speech, or occupational therapy, even if you get these services while in a nursing home.
If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan, check with your plan to see if it covers nursing home care. Usually, plans don't help pay for this care unless the nursing home has a contract with the plan. Ask your plan about nursing home coverage and check the facility’s quality ratings before you make any arrangements to enter 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 Hospice Care?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
No
- 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 Nursing Home Care?
No. Medicare doesn't cover custodial care if it's the only care you need.
Does Medicare cover custodial care?
Medicare.gov answers this on its Nursing home care page: Medicare doesn't cover custodial care if it's the only care you need.
Does Medicare cover assisted living?
Medicare.gov answers this on its Nursing home care page: Medicare doesn't cover custodial care if it's the only care you need.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Nursing Home 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 Nursing Home Care?
No. Medicare doesn't cover custodial care if it's the only care you need.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi