Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

What Original Medicare covers. Your medical coverage doesn't change because your address does. While you live in an assisted living community, Part A and Part B keep covering what they always cover: doctor visits, hospital stays, lab work, durable medical equipment like walkers, and — if your doctor orders it and you meet the homebound rules — home health visits, which can be provided where you live.

What it does not cover. The assisted living itself. Room and board, meals, and hands-on help with bathing, dressing, eating, and medication reminders are custodial care, and Medicare does not pay for custodial care when that is the only care you need. There is no Medicare benefit, waiver, or plan type that turns assisted living rent into a covered service.

How people actually pay for it. Mostly out of savings and income. Long-term care insurance can cover assisted living if the policy was bought before it was needed. Medicaid helps with some assisted living costs in some states through its own programs — the rules, waiting lists, and eligible facilities vary a great deal, so it takes homework in your state.

The honest cost note. Budget for two separate bills: the community's monthly charge comes entirely out of pocket, while your medical care still runs through Medicare — the $283 Part B deductible for 2026, then typically 20% of approved amounts unless a Medigap policy or other coverage picks that share up.

Some Medicare Advantage plans add limited in-home support benefits, but these are supplemental services — not payment for assisted living room and board.

Who to talk to. Talk to your doctor about whether what you need is custodial help or skilled care — the answer changes what Medicare will cover. Talk to an advisor about how your Medicare coverage travels with you to a new community, and talk to your state Medicaid office early if paying privately won't last as long as you might need it to.