Medicare and senior care: what's covered
Medicare covers some senior care, for limited times and under specific rules. This guide explains skilled nursing, home health and hospice coverage, and what Medicare doesn't pay for.
Last reviewed October 27, 2026
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
Skilled nursing after a hospital stay
Part A can cover care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 days in a row, when the person needs daily skilled care such as nursing or therapy. Coverage is limited to 100 days per benefit period, with costs that rise after the first 20 days.
Home health care
Medicare can cover part-time or intermittent skilled care at home, such as nursing or therapy, for people who are homebound and need skilled services.
- Medicare doesn't pay for 24-hour care at home
- It doesn't pay for meal delivery or homemaker services unrelated to the care plan
- It doesn't pay for personal care like bathing and dressing when that is the only care needed
Hospice
Medicare covers hospice care for someone whose doctor certifies they are terminally ill, with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice focuses on comfort rather than treatment of the illness.
What Medicare doesn't cover
Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care when help with daily activities is the only care needed. That includes most of the cost of assisted living and long-term nursing home stays. Medicaid, private funds or long-term care insurance usually pay for that care.
Getting help with Medicare questions
For questions about a specific situation, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can help for free, and Medicare.gov lists coverage rules in detail.
Frequently asked questions
No. Medicare says time under observation or in the emergency room before admission doesn't count toward the 3-day qualifying inpatient stay, even overnight. Ask the hospital whether the person is an inpatient or under observation.
Part A limits skilled nursing facility coverage to 100 days in each benefit period, and the person pays a share of the cost for part of that time. Coverage ends sooner if daily skilled care is no longer needed.
Medicare Advantage plans can have different rules, costs and networks for this care. Check with the plan before care starts.
Sources
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