Guides
Written from primary sources, each with the pages we read and the date we read them.
Paying for care
Back to topicsDoes Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Sometimes, for care services and only in some states. Federal waiver rules exclude room and board, so rent and meals are a separate question.
Medicaid look-back period explained
The look-back period is the time before you apply for long-term care Medicaid when the state checks for assets given away or sold for less than their value.
Medicaid spend down explained: income, assets and what counts
Spend down has two meanings. For income, it means using medical bills to bring income under a state limit. For assets, it means using up savings, with rules.
Types of care
Back to topicsAssisted living vs nursing home: differences, cost and who pays
Assisted living gives help with daily care in a residential setting. A nursing home gives medical care and therapy around the clock. Medicare pays for neither long term.
Home health care vs home care: the difference and who pays
Home health care is skilled care ordered by a doctor, and Medicare may pay for it. Home care is non-medical help with daily living, and Medicare does not.
Hospice vs palliative care: the difference and who pays
Palliative care eases symptoms and stress at any stage of a serious illness. Hospice is end-of-life comfort care for people expected to live six months or less.
Choosing care
Back to topicsHow much does assisted living cost? What drives the price and how to compare
Assisted living has no single price. What you pay depends on the community and the level of care, and Medicare does not pay for it.
How to choose a home care agency: questions to ask before you hire
Start by asking whether the agency is Medicare-certified, then get the plan of care, costs and complaint process in writing. Ratings help but are one input.
What Medicare star ratings mean for home health, hospice and nursing homes
CMS rates nursing homes and home health agencies from 1 to 5 stars on Care Compare. Hospice quality is reported as measures. Each system has limits.