Medicare Coverage for Seniors is Limited

I am re-publishing the following blog post. Not only because many seniors need to understand the limitations of Medicare, but also because I have, at times too often to count, encountered the same mis-understanding from the elderly parents when discussing what services are available to them as they age…

The short answer is…there is no resource or organization that provides free home care services to the elderly.

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Many seniors believe Medicare will take care of everything. It is an unfortunate perception that is inaccurate.  Recently, I made a presentation on senior living options to a group of aging adults. One senior raised their hand and asked how Medicare fit in the picture of paying for senior housing?  The answer…Medicare does not subsidize housing!

Most seniors have Medicare insurance, a HMO and possibly supplemental insurance. These will help you pay for doctors, hospital stays and up to 100 days of skilled nursing care (if you have a qualifying hospital stay). Medicare will not pay for any long-term care such as support in an assisted living community, long-term skilled nursing care or memory care.

Many seniors were surprised.

Here is some specific information from Medicare:

“At least 70 percent of people over 65 will need long-term care services and support at some point. ‘Medicare and most health insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies, don’t pay for this type of care, which is sometimes referred to as ‘custodial care.’ Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.  But it is not free.  It’s important to start planning for long-term care now to maintain your independence and to make sure you get the care you may need, in the setting you want, in the future.”

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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