UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026
Cornerstone guide · ElderCareCosts Research
How to Pay for a Nursing Home
Medicare can cover short skilled nursing facility stays after a qualifying hospital stay under specific rules. Not indefinite custodial care.
The basics
Long-term custodial nursing home stays are often paid privately or by Medicaid when state financial and medical rules are met.
Ask the facility which payers they accept and what happens if Medicare days end before Medicaid is approved.
Sources
- Medicare.gov. Skilled nursing facility care. Medicare SNF coverage rules overview after a qualifying hospital stay
- Medicare.gov. Long-term care. Medicare generally does not cover custodial long-term nursing home care
- Medicaid.gov. Medicaid as a primary payer for long-term nursing facility care when eligible
Related
Not sure which of these apply to your family?
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