The Long-Term Care Gap—What Medicare Won’t Cover

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. In fact, one of the biggest gaps in the system is long-term care. This is where many families get blindsided—and where the costs can be staggering.

What Medicare Does Cover

✅Hospital stays

✅Rehab after an illness or surgery

✅Short-term skilled nursing care

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

✅Ongoing help with daily activities at home

✅Assisted living facilities

✅Nursing home stays beyond short-term rehab

The Cost Reality (Clarified)

The cost of care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Medicare is managed at the county level, which means coverage details and costs can vary widely depending on where you live.

National averages give us a starting point:

✅Home health aide: around $70,000/year

✅Assisted living facility: around $60,000/year

✅Nursing home (private room): around $110,000/year

But your actual costs may be higher or lower. That’s why we always recommend reviewing local data when building your retirement Blueprint.

Without a plan, these expenses often fall to personal savings—or family members.

Real-World Example

Ellen assumed her husband’s Parkinson’s care would be covered. After rehab ended, Medicare stopped paying. Within months, the bills began draining their retirement savings.

The Big Picture

Long-term care planning isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about creating options—through dedicated funds, insurance, or hybrid policies—so you don’t lose independence or put stress on loved ones.

👉 Next Steps: Let’s explore how long-term care fits into your Blueprint. A proactive plan today ensures choices, dignity, and peace of mind tomorrow. Want to get together and learn what your options might be? Grab a spot on my calendar.

#LynnLeighCo #PlanForTheFuture #LongTermCare #AgingWell #ElderCare #MedicarePlanning

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