Medicare may cover short-term skilled care in a nursing home, but it generally does not cover long-term help with daily tasks. It can still pay for covered medical services while you live there, even when you must pay for room, board, and personal care.

Short-Term Skilled Care

Part A may cover up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care in a benefit period when hospital, timing, medical-need, and facility requirements are met. Coverage can end earlier when skilled care is no longer required.

Skilled services include nursing or rehabilitation that must be performed or supervised by trained professionals.

Long-Term Custodial Care

Medicare does not generally cover long-term care when the primary need is help with activities such as:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Using the bathroom
  • Moving safely
  • Household tasks

That remains true whether the care occurs in a nursing home, assisted living facility, adult day program, or private home.

Medicare can continue covering eligible doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and other medical services while a person lives in a nursing home, even when it does not pay room and board.

How Is Long-Term Care Paid For?

Possible sources include:

  • Personal income and savings
  • Medicaid for people who meet state requirements
  • Long-term-care insurance
  • Veterans benefits
  • State or community home- and community-based programs

Ask your state Medicaid agency about the application for long-term services, the settings it covers, and its rules for income, savings, and the level of help you need. Having Medicare does not automatically qualify you for Medicaid long-term care.

See Medicare's long-term care explanation and nursing home payment resources.

When comparing facilities or help at home, request separate prices for personal assistance and medical services. Then ask which insurance or program, if any, will pay for each. For a skilled stay, use the SNF coverage requirements.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.