06/11/2025
It’s a question many families face during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
The answer: Original Medicare does not cover long-term stays in a nursing home for custodial care, like help with bathing, dressing, or eating.
It only covers short-term skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay (up to 100 days), and even then, certain conditions must be met.
This can come as a shock to caregivers and loved ones already navigating difficult decisions.
Understanding what Medicare does and doesn’t cover can make all the difference in planning ahead with confidence and care.