Paying for care

What is Medicare?

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and over, and it does not pay for long-term custodial care at home or in a nursing home.

It covers doctors, hospitals, drugs, and short periods of skilled nursing or therapy at home or in a facility after a qualifying stay. It does not cover help with bathing, dressing or supervision, which is what dementia mostly needs.

This single fact surprises more families than any other in dementia care.

Why it matters

Assuming Medicare will pay for care at home is the commonest and most expensive planning mistake.

Sources

Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.

Related terms

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