Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care for Elderly Family Members?
Introduction
As the population ages, many families find themselves facing the challenges of long-term care for elderly loved ones. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, plays a crucial role in healthcare coverage. However, it is important to understand what Medicare does and does not cover when it comes to long-term care.
How Alliance Senior Care Can Help
Navigating Medicare and other options to cover the cost of In-Home Care and Long-term Care for elderly loved ones can be a challenging if not daunting task.
You may have benefits which will help cover the cost of Long-term care for your elderly loved one. Our team will provide a consultation to assist you and your family in evaluating your benefits. Call us today!
The rest of the article outlines the details of Medicare Coverage.
Medicare Basics
Medicare primarily provides coverage for acute medical needs, such as;
- hospital stays
- doctor visits
- prescription drugs
Part A covers;
- inpatient hospital care
- skilled nursing facility care
- some home health services (for a limited time and under specific conditions)
Part B covers;
- outpatient services
- including doctor visits
- medical tests
- preventive care
Part D is the prescription drug coverage. These components of Medicare are not intended to provide comprehensive coverage for long-term care.
Long-Term Care Options
When it comes to long-term care, such as assistance with daily activities, custodial care, or nursing home care, Medicare has limited coverage.
Medicare will cover short-term skilled nursing facility care following a hospital stay, typically up to 100 days.
However, this coverage is contingent upon meeting specific criteria and the need for skilled medical care. Medicare does not cover custodial care, which includes assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and other routine activities of daily living.
Medicare Supplemental Coverage: Bridging the Gap in Long Term Care
To bridge the gap in long-term care coverage, some individuals choose to purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies.
These plans are sold by private insurance companies and can help cover certain expenses that Medicare does not.
However, Medigap policies do not typically cover long-term care costs either. It is crucial to review the specific terms and limitations of any Medigap policy before purchasing.
Alternative Coverage Options
While Medicare may not provide comprehensive coverage for long-term care, there are alternative options to consider.
- Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, does cover long-term care for those who meet specific income and asset requirements.
- Long-term care insurance is another option to explore, although it is important to purchase such policies before the need arises.
- Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for long-term care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Conclusion
In summary, Medicare does not typically cover long-term care, including assistance with daily activities and custodial care. While short-term skilled nursing facility care may be covered under certain circumstances, it is crucial to explore alternative options like Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or veteran benefits to ensure comprehensive coverage for elderly family members’ long-term care needs.
To get started with In-Home Care can help improve your loved ones’ quality of life, call Alliance Senior Care at 248-274-2170. It’s not just In-Home Care, it is Integrated Care.
Home Care are an excellent resource for family caregivers and seniors alike.
Alliance Senior Care Home Care services offer a wide range of services providing healthcare, daily living assistance, transportation to and from Doctor’s appointments and tailored care services for additional circumstances.