Medicare and Housing Assistance: What You Need to Know

Medicare is a government health insurance program mostly for people aged 65 and older. One common question is whether Medicare helps pay for housing costs. Here is what you need to know.
 

Does Medicare Pay for Housing Assistance?

Original Medicare (which includes Part A and Part B) does not cover the cost of housing, rent, mortgage payments, or general housing assistance.

It also does not pay for stays in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or support for basic needs like bathing or eating when those services are not medical.

Medicare is health insurance. This means it only pays for care and services related to diagnosing or treating illnesses and injuries.
 

What Housing Expenses Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part A can help pay for some types of care that involve staying somewhere other than your home, but only in certain cases:
 

• Hospital stays when a doctor admits you for treatment.
• Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care if you need medical attention following a hospital stay.
• Hospice care if you are at the end of life.
• Home healthcare, but only for specific, medically necessary reasons.

To qualify for these, your doctor must officially say you need these services because of a health problem, and the facility must accept Medicare.
 

Medicare Advantage and Extra Help

Some Medicare Advantage plans (called Part C) may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not. A few of these plans might provide financial help for housing-related needs, such as help with rent or groceries, but this is not common and depends on the specific plan.
 

Why Doesn't Medicare Cover Housing Costs?

Medicare is meant to help with medical costs, not everyday living costs. That's why it doesn't pay for general housing or non-medical help like chores, cooking, or bathing (unless this is part of a short-term recovery from a hospital stay).
 

Other Places to Find Housing Assistance

If you need help with paying for housing, you might want to look at these options:
 

• Medicaid: If you have a low income, you might also qualify for Medicaid. Some state Medicaid programs can help with certain housing-related expenses.
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: This federal program helps low-income people afford housing.
• HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Offers affordable housing to older adults.
• Local public housing or nonprofit organizations.
• Religious groups sometimes offer supportive housing programs.
• State or local housing authorities might have programs to help as well.

 

The Bottom Line

Medicare does not pay for housing, rent, or regular long-term care. It only covers medical services. If you need financial help with housing, you will need to look at other government programs, nonprofits, or community resources.

For more detailed information or for help finding programs in your area, you can contact your local housing authority or a local senior assistance organization.

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Find out if you're eligible for more housing support here!