We are often asked "Won't my Dad's Medicare coverage pay for his nursing home?"

If your family member needs non-medical care such as non-skilled personal care assistance, Medicare will not provide coverage. (Non-skilled personal care means help with everyday activities, like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom.)

Personal care is often called "custodial care", and is not part of Medicare coverage. Most Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies don't pay for this type of care, either.

Medicare only pays for medically-necessary skilled nursing home care if the person's health needs meet certain conditions, and then, its usually for only a limited time.

In short, it best to not plan on Medicare for help with nursing home costs unless you have been advised by a qualified professional that your family member may qualify.