Does Medicare cover a nursing home?
No. Medicare does not pay for a long stay in a nursing home. Medicaid pays for most long stays.
What will you pay?
With Original Medicare: You pay the full cost.
With a Medicare Advantage plan: Some Medicare Advantage plans add this as an extra. Check what your plan pays. Compare plans near you.
What are the rules?
- Medicare pays only for a short rehab stay after a hospital stay.
- Ask the home if it takes Medicaid.
What should you do next?
Compare nursing homesSource: Medicare.gov: Nursing home care (opens in a new tab). Checked Oct 21, 2026. Costs are for 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.