Assisted Living - Independent Living

Most often, assisted living or nursing homes are paid for from private funds. In some instances, communities are subsidized by different state and federal programs and those communities are able to offer fees at a sliding scale based on income. Your local Area Agency on Aging typically maintains a list of subsidized senior housing and entrance requirements. Assisted Living. Assisted living is typically paid for from private funds, but there are a few exceptions. Veterans and their spouses are often entitled to some form of VA benefit for assisted living. Some long-term care insurance policies cover licensed assisted living. Check your loved one's insurance policy to see if it is covered. In a limited number of states, Medicaid funds and waivers are available to help with assisted living costs.

Specialized Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

For memory care in an assisted living, fees are typically paid for from private funds. There are a few exceptions. Some long-term care insurance policies cover licensed assisted living, and in a few states, Medicaid funds are available to help with assisted living costs. Reimbursement for dementia care in a nursing home is either from private funds, long-term care insurance or Medicaid. Continuing Care Retirement Community. Understanding the contracts, fees and payment structure for a CCRC can be very confusing. The most common payment type is private funds. Some CCRCs also require a non-refundable entrance fee or an equity payment, while others don't require these fees or make them refundable. Some communities accept Medicaid in their assisted living (depending upon the state) and in their
long-term care, yet others won't. Most CCRCs have a short-term rehab program that is Medicare certified. See our Tips and Checklists
for a better understanding of what to look for and what to ask a CCRC with regard to payment and fees.

Nursing Homes & Skilled Nursing Centers

Reimbursement for nursing home patients and residents is a bit complex. If a patient is there just for a short-term rehabilitation stay, Medicare and/or private insurance typically covers the stay. If the patient continues to meet what is known as the "skilled criteria" during their rehab stay, Medicare covers the first twenty days at 100% and then 80 additional days at 80%. If a patient has a secondary
insurance, it often covers the 20% not covered by Medicare.

For long-term care residents, private funds, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are the typical methods of payment. If the
patient is a veteran or spouse of a veteran, they may have VA benefits that will help with a portion of their stay.

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