DELAWARE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Who pays for Long-Term Care?

Nationally, more than half of all nursing home expenses are paid out-of-pocket by individuals and their families. Somewhat less than half are p aid by state Medicaid programs.

Medicaid, however, does not pay until the person has "spent-down" his/her money on medical expenses. Medicaid will pay for a person who has less than $1,230 in monthly income and less than $2,000 in countable resources.

A small percentage is paid by Medicare. Medicare will pay for a limited number of days of nursing home residents who require and are placed in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Neither Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, nor the health insurance provided by employers will pay for most long-term care expenses.