Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living In Florida?

Let’s clear this up right away: Medicare does not pay for assisted living in Florida.

This is one of the most common misconceptions surrounding Medicare.

Here’s the truth - Medicare was never designed to cover long-term custodial care. That means services like help with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, or meal preparation - the very things assisted living provides - aren’t covered.

Medicare does cover short-term care in very specific circumstances. If someone is hospitalized and then discharged to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, Medicare Part A might cover part of the stay.

But once rehabilitation is no longer needed, and the focus shifts to personal care and housing, that coverage ends.

So if you're expecting Medicare to help pay for monthly rent at an assisted living facility, meals, or ongoing personal care - it won’t.

But don’t worry - there are still ways to make assisted living in Florida affordable, even if Medicare doesn’t help with the bill.

From Medicaid programs to long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and even smart real estate strategies, this page will walk you through all the options that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Let’s start by explaining what assisted living actually is.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is designed for people who need a hand with everyday tasks - but don’t require the medical care of a nursing home.

It’s the middle ground between living alone and needing full-time nursing care. These communities help residents maintain their independence while providing the daily support they need to stay safe and comfortable.

Here’s what’s typically included in an assisted living facility:

• A private or shared apartment or room
• Three meals a day, prepared and served
• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming
• Medication reminders or management
• Weekly housekeeping and laundry
• Scheduled transportation, social events, and wellness programs

Some facilities also offer memory care units for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but those services usually come at a higher cost.

The bottom line? Assisted living is about quality of life. It offers support, security, and a social environment - without feeling clinical.

Up next, let’s go over what Medicare will (and won’t) cover when it comes to this type of care.

What Medicare Will Pay for (And What It Won’t)

There’s a common misunderstanding when it comes to Medicare and assisted living.

Many people assume Medicare will help cover the cost of assisted living - but that’s not true.

Medicare does not pay for assisted living. It only covers certain types of medical care, and assisted living is not considered medical care. It’s considered custodial care - things like help with dressing, bathing, and meals - and Medicare was never designed to cover those services.

However, Medicare can help with a few short-term care situations. Let’s break it down.

What Medicare Does Cover:

• Skilled nursing care after a hospital stay: Medicare Part A may cover a short stay in a skilled nursing facility, but only if you’ve been admitted to the hospital for at least three days. This is usually for recovery and rehabilitation, not long-term care.
• Some home health care: Medicare may cover limited home health care if you’re homebound and a doctor certifies that you need it. This includes things like nursing care or physical therapy, but not personal care like bathing or dressing.
• Hospice care: If you have a terminal illness and choose hospice, Medicare can help pay for care focused on comfort and quality of life. This may include in-home care or care in a hospice facility.

What Medicare Does Not Cover:

• Monthly rent in an assisted living facility
• Help with activities of daily living (such as eating, bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom)
• Meal preparation or housekeeping services
• 24/7 supervision or personal caregivers in a facility

If someone is moving into an assisted living community and hoping Medicare will help with the cost - it won’t. But there are other programs and financial strategies that can help, which we'll cover in more detail.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the estimated median monthly cost of assisted living in Florida for 2024 is $4,371, which falls below the national average of $4,917.

While Genworth has not yet released data for 2025, historical trends indicate that assisted living costs have been increasing annually.

For instance, from 2023 to 2024, the median monthly cost rose from $5,350 to $5,900, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase.

Considering the national trend of a 10% increase, the estimated median monthly cost in Florida for 2025 could be around $4,922, translating to an annual cost of approximately $59,064.

If Medicare won’t cover assisted living - and Medicaid isn’t a fit or is taking too long - don’t panic. There are other ways to manage the cost.

Payment Options

Some of these options can cover a big portion of the bill, especially when used together. Let’s go through them in plain English.

#1. Long-Term Care Insurance

If you got this in your 50s or 60s, this may be your golden ticket.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance was built for exactly this situation: to help pay for things like assisted living, nursing home care, and in-home help.

If you already have a policy, now is the time to review the benefits. Many LTC policies pay a set daily or monthly amount once you show you need help with two or more activities of daily living (like bathing or dressing).

Tip: Look for your “elimination period” - that’s the number of days you’ll pay out-of-pocket before benefits kick in.

#2. VA Aid and Attendance

If you served during a wartime period, don’t skip this benefit.

Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance, a monthly benefit added on top of a VA pension.

To qualify, you must:

• Have served during a recognized wartime period
• Need help with daily activities
• Meet income and asset guidelines

As of 2025, a qualifying veteran can receive over $2,200 per month - and surviving spouses can receive a bit over $1,400. This money can be used toward assisted living costs.

This benefit is underused - and it’s worth looking into, even if the veteran passed away years ago.

#3. SSI and Optional State Supplement (OSS)

Small but steady - and worth applying for if you qualify.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

In Florida, SSI recipients may also qualify for the Optional State Supplementation (OSS) program - which adds extra funds specifically to help cover assisted living expenses.

The amounts are modest, but every dollar helps when you’re paying thousands each month.

Remember: You’ll need to meet income and asset limits to qualify.

#4. Loans or Facility Financing

Just make sure you read the fine print with this option.

Some assisted living facilities partner with lenders to offer bridge loans, or they may offer short-term financing while you’re waiting on home sale proceeds, insurance payouts, or benefit approvals.

Others allow for monthly payment plans if a lump sum isn’t available upfront.

These options can be helpful - but read the terms closely. Interest rates, balloon payments, and penalties can sneak up on you.

If it sounds too good to be true, have someone else look over it first.

Medicaid in Florida: A Possible but Imperfect Lifeline

Yes, Florida Medicaid can help pay for assisted living - but it’s no walk in the park.

Many people hear that Medicaid covers long-term care and assume it’s a simple solution. The reality is more complicated.

While Medicaid is one of the few public programs that may help with assisted living costs, qualifying isn’t easy, and getting actual benefits can take time.

Florida’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Program (SMMC-LTC)

Florida runs its long-term care Medicaid services through a program called Statewide Medicaid Managed Care - Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC).

It helps pay for:

• Assisted living facility costs
• In-home care
• Adult day care and other community-based services

But here’s the catch: you have to meet both financial and medical eligibility requirements, and most applicants are placed on a waitlist before they can receive services.

Income and Asset Limits (2025 Guidelines)

To qualify financially for Florida’s long-term care Medicaid:

• Monthly income must be under $2,829 (for an individual)
• Countable assets must be below $2,000

These limits are strict - and they apply to both income and assets, including bank accounts and investments. Your home may be exempt, but that depends on occupancy and other rules.

For example: If your monthly income is $3,000 or you have more than $2,000 in savings, you may not qualify - at least not without advanced Medicaid planning.

And even if you meet the financial test, you’ll also need to pass a functional assessment proving you need help with things like mobility, bathing, or dressing.

Expect a Waitlist

Florida uses a priority system to determine who gets services first.

Even after you qualify, you could wait months or longer before receiving benefits - especially for assisted living, which is in high demand.

Where to Get Help

Applying for Medicaid long-term care in Florida is complex. We strongly recommend reaching out to one of these two trusted resources:

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs – elderaffairs.org
• SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) – A free state counseling program: floridashine.org

Both can help you understand your options, apply for benefits, and avoid common mistakes.

Real-World Payment Scenarios

Sometimes the best way to understand your options is to see how others in similar situations are handling it.

Here are three real-world examples - based on the kinds of situations we run into all the time - to show how people in Florida are piecing together assisted living payments.

Nancy, 78 - Tampa: Paid off Home, but Little to No Savings

Nancy owns her home outright, but she doesn’t have much saved for long-term care. She needs help with dressing and meals, and her daughter is helping her explore assisted living.

Here’s how Nancy covers the cost:

• She rents out her house, bringing in $2,000/month in income.
• She applies for Optional State Supplement (OSS) to receive additional assistance through Florida’s SSI program.
• Her daughter helps cover a small monthly gap while they explore selling the home later as a longer-term solution.

By using the home as a rental asset instead of rushing to sell, Nancy keeps control and flexibility while easing the financial burden.

James, 80 - Jacksonville: Vietnam Veteran, Receives VA Pension

James served during wartime and now needs help with mobility and managing his medications. He doesn’t qualify for Medicaid but does receive a modest VA pension.

Here’s how James makes assisted living affordable:

• He qualifies for VA Aid & Attendance, which adds about $2,200/month to his income.
• He uses Social Security benefits to cover the rest.
• He moves into a modest assisted living facility with a total monthly cost of $3,900 - fully covered by his combined VA and Social Security income.

Without the VA benefit, assisted living would have been out of reach. In James’s case, military service gave him access to one of the best underused resources available.

Lori, 73 - Orlando: Bought Long-Term Care Insurance at Age 60

Lori planned ahead. She purchased a long-term care insurance policy in her early 60s, which now covers up to $150/day for assisted living services.

Here’s her setup:

• Her LTC policy covers about $4,500/month, which matches the base cost of her facility.
• She pays a small amount out-of-pocket for additional memory care services.
• She uses income from Social Security and a small pension to cover any extras.

Because she started planning years ago, Lori avoids draining her savings and keeps full control over where she lives and the level of care she receives.

Your Home = Your Most Powerful Asset

Most people don’t realize their house can do more than sit empty.

For many Florida seniors, your home is your single biggest financial resource - and in some cases, the key to making assisted living affordable without draining your savings or relying on family.

Here are a few ways people use their home to pay for care.

#1. Renting It Out

If the home is in good shape and located in a desirable area, renting it can generate steady monthly income.

In many parts of Florida, it’s not uncommon to earn $1,500 to $2,500 per month from rent alone - which can go directly toward assisted living costs.

Renting keeps the home in your name and gives you flexibility. It’s a great option if you’re not ready to sell or want to leave the home to family later.

#2. Selling for a Lump Sum

If maintaining the property isn’t realistic or you need access to cash fast, selling the home can provide a large lump sum - often hundreds of thousands of dollars - that can be used to pay for multiple years of assisted living upfront.

This gives you peace of mind knowing the care is covered and you’re not stuck waiting on benefit approvals or loans.

#3. Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners age 62 and older and allow you to access the equity in your home without selling it.

You can receive the money as a lump sum, monthly income, or line of credit.

The pros:

• You stay in the home (at least initially)
• No monthly payments required
• Money can be used for any purpose, including care

The cons:

• The loan comes due when you move out or pass away
• Interest adds up over time and reduces your estate
• Can affect Medicaid eligibility if not handled correctly

Reverse mortgages can work in certain situations, especially if you’re planning to move to assisted living soon and want to delay selling.

#4. Life Estate or Personal Care Agreements

A life estate lets you transfer ownership of your home to a family member while still keeping the legal right to live there for the rest of your life. This can protect the home from being counted against you in Medicaid eligibility - if done early enough.

A personal care agreement allows you to legally transfer your home (or another asset) to a family member in exchange for their promise to provide care.

Both options require very careful legal planning to avoid Medicaid penalties, tax consequences, or future disputes. But for some families, they can be a smart and strategic way to turn home equity into long-term care.

Final Thoughts

This stuff is complicated - and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.

We’ve seen how stressful it can be when a loved one needs care, and the financial questions start piling up. That’s why it’s so important to understand what Medicare will and won’t cover, and what options are truly available to you.

No, Medicare doesn’t pay for assisted living. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Between Medicaid programs, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and home equity solutions, there are ways to manage the cost - even if it feels out of reach right now.

The most important thing is to plan early, ask honest questions, and explore all your options - even the ones you may not have considered yet.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with the right information and support, you can find a path that protects your loved one’s dignity and gives your family peace of mind.