Medicare along with most health insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), typically do not cover the expenses of extended care. This form of support (often referred to as “long-term services and supports”) encompasses both medical and non-medical assistance for individuals living with a persistent illness or disability. It involves help with daily tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, and toileting. Extended care might also encompass services like home meal deliveries, community-based adult day care, and additional supports. You might qualify for such assistance through Medicaid, or you may opt to purchase private extended care insurance coverage.
You have the option to receive extended care within your residence, in community settings, in an assisted living environment, or within a nursing home. It is critical to commence preparations for extended care immediately in order to preserve your autonomy and ensure that you receive the necessary assistance, in your preferred environment, for both the present and the future.