Is Assisted Living Covered by Medicare?
When the time comes to transition a loved one into Assisted Living, most families discover they have many questions about this level of care.
One we often hear is: “Does Medicare cover nursing homes and Assisted Living?”
The short answer is no. But you deserve more information and insight into the cost of Assisted Living and how it’s typically funded.
Many assume Assisted Living is covered by Medicare, only to discover this isn’t the case. To help you avoid unpleasant surprises, MorseLife is here to explain what Medicare does and doesn’t cover to help you confidently plan for the cost of Assisted Living.
With over 42 years of trusted service to Palm Beach County seniors, we know how complex and emotional senior living decisions can be. We’ll help you clarify the facts, offer helpful tips, and share how we can help.
What Medicare does and does not cover
Medicare is a federal health insurance program, primarily designed to provide health services coverage for people aged 65 and older. As such, it’s intended to cover the costs of medical care, not custodial care or senior housing.
Medicare covers things like:
- Hospitalizations
- Doctor visits
- A skilled nursing facility stay for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospitalization
- Hospice Care
- Some Home Health services
Medicare does not cover:
- Monthly rent for Assisted Living
- Home Health Aide support with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Long-Term Care
If you have additional questions about specific services covered by Medicare, the government has a helpful search tool you can use.
Your loved one may require daily support with dressing, bathing, eating, or getting around, but Medicare does not cover these services unless they’re part of active medical treatment and rehabilitation under a doctor’s orders.
Learning this leaves many families feeling unsure where to turn to access and afford the help they need to ensure their loved one can continue to live in security and comfort.
Thankfully, there is support and guidance available to help you navigate this process and discover your optimal solutions.
The differences between Medicare and Medicaid
Another common point of confusion for families navigating Assisted Living funding is Medicare vs. Medicaid. They are different programs with distinct goals:
- As we clarified above, Medicare is a federal health insurance program, designed to cover medical care services for people over 65 and some individuals with disabilities.
- In contrast, Medicaid is a joint federal and state-run program that provides health coverage services based on financial need.
In Florida, where MorseLife is based, Medicaid covers Assisted Living in certain situations. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and clinical needs.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complex process. Many families need guidance to navigate the application process. MorseLife has helped countless families understand and determine their eligibility for programs like Medicaid and our Palm Beach PACE community-based care services.
Understanding Assisted Living costs and funding options
Determining if Assisted Living is the right option for you involves getting clear on the costs and how your family will cover them.
The cost of Assisted Living varies widely, based on location, care needs, and community.
According to the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Calculator tool, the monthly median cost for Assisted Living in South Florida in 2025 is $5,820.
At MorseLife, we believe in open communication. Our rates make it easy and straightforward for you to understand and budget for Assisted Living costs in our community. Our tiered Assisted Living pricing structure allows you to select and customize the Assisted Living services and support you need. MorseLife’s Assisted
Living community options also offer something for every need and budget.
- Our Tradition residence delivers full-service luxury Assisted Living at its finest. Tradition’s superior services, outstanding amenities, and resort-like environment are designed to make life rewarding and worry-free. With spacious, private apartments, sophisticated design, and customized care plans, Tradition offers an unmatched Assisted Living experience to residents and their loved ones.
- Our Resnick residence offers affordable Assisted Living with top-quality services and amenities in an environment of unsurpassed comfort and care. With a dedicated onsite care team and outstanding Assisted Living accommodations to suit every budget, Resnick provides families with a welcome option to access the support they need with respect to their financial goals.
Since Medicare doesn’t typically cover the cost of Assisted Living, families rely on many other sources to help fund Assisted Living costs, including:
- Private savings and retirement income
- Long-term care insurance
- Life insurance conversion or life settlement
- Medicaid
- Family contributions
- Social Security (and, in some cases, Social Security Administration Programs)
- Pension benefits
MorseLife can offer you our personalized support to help you build a financial plan that works for you to cover the cost of Assisted Living.
MorseLife is here to support you
Assisted Living is a big decision. Your finances and funding sources are an essential part of the equation. Medicare may not cover the cost of Assisted Living, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have access to viable funding options.
Our MorseLife team will gladly support you in exploring your funding resources and answer any questions about life in our West Palm Beach Assisted Living communities.
We’re here not only to provide exceptional, personalized care, but to help you understand your options and make empowered choices that work for you.
With more than 3,500 seniors supported every day, MorseLife is a trusted leader in senior care and a steadfast partner to families navigating both financial and care decisions.
