Help paying for care
Plain words. No sales pitch.
Money worksheet
Use this to get your numbers in one place before you call an agency or an attorney. Totals update as you type. This is not advice, and it does not say who qualifies for any program. Rules change, so check with your local agency.
Monthly income
Add each source you want to track, such as Social Security, a pension, or wages.
Assets to have in mind
Optional notes only. You do not have to share account numbers here.
Monthly costs
Housing, food, medicines, care, and anything else you want in the monthly picture.
Compare care costs
The starting numbers below are national medians from the CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2025. Your town may cost more or less, so change any figure to a quote you were given. CareScout does not publish a national median for memory care, so that line starts blank.
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. Home care assumes the survey's example of 44 hours a week at $35 an hour. Adult day uses five days a week at $95 a day. Assisted living uses $6,200 a month.
Benefits to ask about
These are starting points, not a promise that anyone will qualify. Tick the ones you want to ask about, then use the official sites or our free government help page.
Medicare usually does not pay for long-term custodial care. It may pay for short skilled care after a hospital stay. Read Medicare.gov on long-term care.
Medicaid is the main public program for long-term care for people who qualify. Rules and names differ by state, and many programs have wait lists. Start on our Help paying for care page, or see Medicaid.gov.
Some Veterans and surviving spouses who already get a VA pension may get extra help. Start at VA.gov Aid and Attendance or call 800-698-2411.
Your Area Agency on Aging can explain meals, respite, and other local help. Use our free government help page after you enter a zip, or call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov.
NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp can help you see programs that may be available in your area. It does not decide eligibility. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org.
If there is a policy, call the company and ask how to start a claim, what the waiting period is, and what paperwork they need. Policies differ.
Some medical and long-term care costs may be deductible. We do not give tax advice. See IRS Publication 502 or talk with a tax professional.
Stays on this device. Not advice. Rules change, so check with your local agency.
Does Medicaid pay for long-term care?
Medicaid can pay for long-term care for people who qualify. Each state has its own name and rules. Many programs have wait lists.
Florida
Start with the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center. Ask about long-term care screening (SMMC LTC) and Alzheimer's Disease Initiative help. Check with your local agency — rules and wait lists change.
Pennsylvania
Ask about Community HealthChoices. For long-term services and supports, call the Independent Enrollment Broker at 1-877-550-4227. Your county Area Agency on Aging can also guide you. Check with your local agency.
Ohio
Ask about PASSPORT and other help-at-home programs. Call the Ohio Department of Aging at 1-800-266-4346 or your local Area Agency on Aging. Check with your local agency.
North Carolina
Start with your Area Agency on Aging and your county Department of Social Services. Ask about Medicaid long-term care and caregiver programs such as Project C.A.R.E. Check with your local agency.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Medicare usually does not pay for long-term custodial care — the day-to-day help with bathing, dressing, and living in a nursing home or assisted living when that is the only care needed. It may pay for short skilled care after a hospital stay, doctor visits, and some home health when rules are met. Source: Medicare.gov.
What is VA Aid and Attendance?
Some Veterans and surviving spouses who get a VA pension may get extra help if they need hands-on help with daily activities or are mostly housebound. Apply on VA.gov or with VA Form 21-2680. Call VA at 800-698-2411 if you need help applying.
What local aging programs can help with the cost?
Your Area Agency on Aging can explain meals, caregiver support, respite, and other local help. Type your zip and open Free government help.
How do I use long-term care insurance?
If you have a policy, call the company and ask how to file a claim, what the waiting period is, and what paperwork they need. Policies differ.
Can care costs be a tax deduction?
Some medical and long-term care costs may be deductible. Rules change. Talk with a tax professional or use IRS guidance — we do not give tax advice.
When should I talk with an elder law attorney?
For Medicaid planning, powers of attorney, and hard money questions, an elder law attorney can help. Enter your zip and choose Elder law and paying for care under Find care near you.
This is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Rules and benefits change. Check with your local agency, your doctor, or a trusted advisor before you decide.
How do I find help near me?
Type your zip code below to find free government help or care near you.