Senior housing is a hot-button topic, especially with rising housing costs. There are a variety of factors that help determine the cost of senior housing, such as location and the level of care that’s needed. Because of this, the monthly cost of living in an independent living community can range anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, and assisted living facilities can fall between $3,500 to $10,500.
Since many seniors are living on fixed incomes, the ability to pay can be a major concern. Some might wonder if they should empty their bank accounts and retirement savings to cover the cost of living or seek additional resources. Unfortunately, Medicare likely won't be one of those resources.
Does Medicare Pay for Senior Housing?
No, Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for senior housing, including independent living, assisted living, or custodial care in a nursing home. Medicare does assist in paying for medical care, like a stay in a skilled nursing facility, part-time health care, or hospice, if specific requirements are met. Here is a quick breakdown of costs Medicare can and can’t cover and how to meet eligibility requirements.
|
Type of Housing or Care |
Does Medicare Pay? |
What to Know |
|
Independent living |
No |
Rent and other fees are paid out of pocket. |
|
Assisted living |
No |
Medicare doesn’t cover room, board, or other fees. |
|
Custodial home care |
No |
Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care. |
|
Skilled nursing facility |
Yes |
Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying hospital stay. |
|
Home health care |
Yes |
Medicare covers part-time skilled care as ordered by a doctor. |
|
Hospice |
Yes |
Medicare covers for people certified as terminally ill. |
Medicare Part A and Senior Housing
Generally, Medicare Part A covers hospital care, hospice, home health, and skilled nursing care only under certain conditions. In order for Medicare Part A coverage to take place as it relates to senior housing, the residence must be a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility. Once this care has been approved, you must meet these requirements:
- A doctor must certify your care as medically necessary
- You had a prior in-patient hospital stay of at least three days in a row
- You must be admitted to a nursing facility within 30 days of leaving the hospital
Once these conditions are met, Medicare will cover the cost of your stay for the first 20 days. After these 20 days, Medicare covers a portion of the cost, but you will be responsible for a daily coinsurance rate of $217 per day. After 100 days, you are responsible for the cost of your care.
Does Medicare Help with Housing for People with Disabilities?
No, Medicare does not cover the cost of housing for people with disabilities. Much like the coverage available for senior citizens, Medicare does not help with long-term housing for people with disabilities.
Although Medicare does not cover housing costs for people with disabilities, you can still qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 and disabled. Before you are enrolled or apply for Medicare coverage, you must meet one of these requirements:
- Must receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 consecutive months. Medicare coverage begins on the 25th month.
- You are diagnosed with ALS. The 24-month period is waived, and Medicare coverage begins when your disability benefits begin.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare coverage usually begins on the first day of the fourth month of regular dialysis treatments or upon receiving a kidney transplant.
What Programs Can Help Pay for Senior Housing?
Although Medicare doesn’t cover most housing costs for the elderly or disabled, there are other government entities with programs to help. Here is a quick overview of some other programs that can help seniors pay for their housing, whatever living situation they may be in.
- Medicaid: This government assistance program can be used to pay for long-term nursing home care throughout the United States. In some states, Medicaid can be used to pay for assisted living and alternatives to nursing homes.
- Veterans Assistance: U.S. military veterans may be eligible for aid if they meet certain conditions. They can receive a basic pension, housebound benefit, or assistance daily.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Supportive Housing for the Elderly: The HUD Section 202 program expanded affordable housing with support services for lower-income seniors. You must be 62 years of age or older and your household income below 50 percent of the Area Median Income to apply.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program: Federal program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe housing. You must meet HUD’s definition of a family and have income below 50 percent of the median to qualify for this voucher.
- Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid model of care that helps older adults live safely in their own homes and communities. You must be 55 years or older, live in the service area of a PACE organization, be certified by the state as needing nursing home level of care, and be able to live safely in a community to be eligible for the program.
- Eldercare Locator: The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living that connects older adults, caregivers, and families with local aging and support services. You can find local community-based organizations that specialize in senior home care by visiting the Eldercare Locator website.
Discover Your Next Home on Apartments.com
If you’re looking for a senior living community, start your search on Apartments.com. On Apartments.com, you can search for rentals that fit your criteria, even senior housing. Navigate to the Apartments.com search page, input the city that you want to search, select “Specialty Housing,” then select “Senior” to display the senior living communities in your area. Finding a home that is right for you is simple on Apartments.com.
This article was originally published on March 15, 2023, and has been updated.
FAQs
Does Medicare help with housing costs?
No, Medicare does not assist with rent, mortgage costs, or room and board. Medicare pays for medical care, such as hospital stays, short skilled nursing stays, and certain home health services. For housing cost assistance, look to Medicaid, VA benefits, or HUD-supported senior housing.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Original Medicare does not pay for assisted living, including rent, meals, or help with daily activities. Medicare may cover some medical services you receive there, such as doctor visits. Some state Medicaid programs help with assisted living services for eligible residents.
Does Medicare cover independent living or senior apartments?
No. Independent living and senior apartments are private-pay housing, so Medicare does not cover rent or other fees. Seniors with low income may qualify for other housing assistance options, like HUD Section 202 housing.
Is there housing assistance for seniors with low income?
Yes, but not through Medicare. HUD Section 202 housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and some state and local programs help older adults with limited income. Waitlists for these programs can be long, so applying early is recommended.
