Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care, and assisted living is one of the places people get that kind of non-medical care (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
Updated November 2026 · Sources linked in the text · General information, not medical, legal or financial advice.
Why Medicare doesn't cover it
Medicare covers medical care: doctors, hospitals, and short-term skilled nursing after a hospital stay (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care). Help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing and taking medications is long-term or "custodial" care, which Medicare doesn't pay for (Medicare.gov: Long-term care). Medicare can still cover your doctor visits and other medical care while you live in assisted living.
How families pay for assisted living
- Private pay from income, savings or the sale of a home.
- Long-term care insurance, if you have a policy (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
- Medicaid, depending on your state's eligibility rules and programs (Medicare.gov: Long-term care). Rules differ by state, so check with your state Medicaid agency.
What "assisted living" means in California
In California, assisted living homes are licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs): housing chosen by people 60 or older where care and supervision, protective supervision or personal care is provided based on residents' needs (California Health & Safety Code §1569.2). "Care and supervision" includes help with activities of daily living, such as taking medications, money management and personal care (California Health & Safety Code §1569.2). You can look up any home's licence and inspection history on the CDSS Care Facility Search.
Browse licensed assisted living in California →
Quick answers
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care, which includes help with daily activities in assisted living (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
It may, depending on your state's eligibility rules and programs (Medicare.gov: Long-term care). Check with your state Medicaid agency.
Will Medicare still pay my medical bills if I move to assisted living?
Yes, Medicare continues to cover covered medical services like doctor visits wherever you live. It just doesn't pay for the assisted living itself (Medicare.gov: Long-term care).