Assisted living and Medicare – what’s the deal? Medicare coverage for seniors in assisted living is like understanding what Medicare does and doesn’t cover in these residential settings. Medicare generally doesn’t pay for the long-term care costs of assisted living, like room and board. However, Medicare can cover healthcare services you receive while in assisted living, like doctor visits, physical therapy, or skilled nursing care, if they meet Medicare’s requirements. The twist? Assisted living is primarily for long-term care, which is generally not covered by Medicare. Long-term care insurance or private funds are usually needed to pay for assisted living costs. Understanding the difference between healthcare and long-term care is crucial for planning for senior living. Actionable Tip: Learn about long-term care and the costs associated with it. Understanding long-term care is important for future planning, for yourself and your family members.