Does Medicare pay for Long Term Care?

No, Medicare does not pay for Long Term Care under any circumstances.  Some short term or recovery care may be covered, but only if it qualifies under strict rules that include all of the following requirements:

• Prior 3 day hospital stay
• Nursing Home admission within 30 days of hospital stay
• Nursing Home admission for same diagnosis as hospital stay
• Must require the Skilled Level of care (not regular care)
• Maximum coverage is 100 days (short term)
• Days 21 through 100 only cover 50% of cost
• Numerous other restrictions

Sometimes people confuse the terms Medicare and MEDICAID.  Medicare does not pay for Long Term Care.  MEDICAID is a welfare program that can pay for Long Term Care if you have spent down virtually all of your savings and invesments, and can qualify for free care due to poverty.  For more info...