If you or a loved one is in need of long-term health care, you may be considering whether or not Medicare will cover any of the costs. While Medicare does offer several programs that are designed to help cover some of the costs associated with long-term care, they can be complicated and difficult to navigate. In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the basics of Medicare long term care programs so that you can better understand your options.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part A is designed to cover hospital stays, and it also offers limited coverage for home health services such as physical therapy and speech therapy if those services are medically necessary. This coverage is generally limited to a certain number of days per year, and it does not include custodial care—that is, help with activities such as bathing or dressing—or other types of “personal” care services.

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and some medical equipment, but it does not include long-term nursing home care or extended home health care services. You may also be able to get coverage for durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers through Part B coverage.

For those who need more comprehensive coverage than what’s offered through Parts A and B, there are a few additional options available through private insurance companies that offer supplemental plans. These plans can help cover the cost of nursing homes, home health aides, adult daycare centers, hospice care, and other forms of extended care services that are not covered by Parts A or B alone. Additionally, some states may offer Medicaid programs that provide additional assistance for those who qualify based on income levels.

It’s important to note that while Medicare does not cover all forms of long-term care services, there are specific circumstances in which coverage may be available. For example, if a person requires skilled nursing facility (SNF) or home health aide (HHA) services due to an illness or injury sustained within 30 days prior to admission into the SNF or HHA facility, then Medicare will typically cover at least part of the cost for up to 100 days per benefit period—though this is subject to change depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, under certain conditions related to end-of-life decisions, such as hospice care for terminal illnesses, Medicare may provide further coverage beyond the initial 100 days in certain cases.

Navigating the complexities of Medicare’s long term care programs can be difficult even for seasoned professionals – which is why it’s always best to consult with a highly rated Medicaid planning attorney before making any decisions regarding your healthcare needs. Knowing what is covered by Medicare can help make sure you don’t end up paying out-of-pocket expenses when you don’t have to – so take your time researching your options before making any final decisions about your healthcare plan!

No matter what path you choose for yourself or your loved one’s healthcare needs going forward – being informed about all the potential options available can go a long way toward helping you make informed decisions about your future healthcare needs! Reach out to the attorneys at Elder Needs Law, PLLC, today for help with all your medicare needs!