Medicare and Senior Housing
Medicare does not pay for most of the costs related to senior housing, such as assisted living and long-term care facilities. It will, however, pay for certain types of assistance, such as home health care or a skilled nursing facility. Generally, Medicare Part A covers hospital care, hospice, home health and skilled nursing care only under certain conditions. As for senior housing, Medicare covers residency in a nursing home for a short period of time as long as custodial care isn’t the only type of care that you need. Certain conditions must be met, such as:- The residence must be a certified skilled nursing facility.
- Your care must be medically necessary (nursing services, therapy, etc.).
- You had a prior hospital stay of at least three days.
- You must be admitted to a nursing facility within 30 days of a hospital stay.
- You must be 65 years old or older.
- 100 percent for the first 20 days.
- You pay up to $140 per day, and Medicare will pay the rest from days 21 through 100.
Medicare and Disabled Housing
Much like the coverage available for senior citizens, Medicare does not provide assistance for long-term housing needs for persons with disabilities. If you are under 65 and disabled, you can enroll in Medicare without paying premiums and receive the same benefits.
