Does the Original Medicare Plan pay for care in a nursing home?

September 20, 2009 by admin

Usually, no. Most nursing home care is custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using a bathroom, and eating.) This care is not covered by Medicare. Medicare Part A only covers skilled care given in a certified skilled nursing facility. You must meet certain conditions and coverage is limited. For more information about Medicare skilled nursing care, look at Medicare's publication Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care. If you have limited income and resources, Medicaid may help cover nursing home costs. For more information about Medicaid, call your State medical assistance office. You can find their phone number in the Helpful Contacts section on Medicare's Website.