10/15/2026
Medicare Open Enrollment is also a good time to think beyond next year’s health plan. As families review Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment, there’s another important question worth asking:
If a senior loved one needed ongoing help with everyday activities, how would we provide, and pay for, that care?
Many families are surprised to learn that Medicare generally does not cover ongoing personal care when help with activities such as bathing, dressing or using the bathroom is the primary need. That makes it important to understand the difference between healthcare coverage and planning for potential long-term care needs.
Use this time to talk about what support is already needed, what family members can realistically provide, financial resources and long-term care insurance, and whether your loved one would prefer to remain at home or consider a senior living community if needs change.
➡️ Learn what Medicare may, and may not, cover and what families should consider when planning for long-term care here: https://www.seniorcareauthority.com/blog/medicare-open-enrollment-long-term-care-planning/
Before Medicare Open Enrollment, learn what Medicare may cover, how Medicaid differs, and what to gather when planning for possible long-term care costs.
