Medicare provides limited long-term care coverage. It covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care or rehabilitation following a hospital stay when medically necessary, but does not cover custodial care or permanent nursing home placement.

Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits like meal delivery, home safety modifications, or limited in-home support services. Special needs plans sometimes provide expanded caregiving assistance. Five-star rated Medicare Advantage plans allow enrollment outside the annual open enrollment period.

Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term nursing home care, but eligibility requires meeting strict income and asset limits that vary by state. Generally, individuals must have limited monthly income and assets under $2,000, though exact thresholds differ significantly across states. Applicants must also demonstrate need for assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating.

For comprehensive long-term care planning, consider private long-term care insurance or hybrid life insurance policies with long-term care riders, as neither Medicare nor Medicaid provides complete coverage for extended care needs.