Long-Term Care Cost Calculator
Long-term care — nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care — is one of the biggest expenses in retirement. Use this calculator to estimate costs in your state and understand your options.
Popular next steps
Estimate your care costs
See how much long-term care might cost based on your state and care type.
Average nursing home stay is 2.2 years; assisted living is 2.5 years
Select your options and click
"Calculate" to see estimated costs
What Medicare does (and doesn't) cover
Medicare only covers skilled nursing care for a limited time after a qualifying hospital stay:
| Days | What Medicare pays |
|---|---|
| Days 1-20 | 100% of approved costs |
| Days 21-100 | All but ~$204/day coinsurance (2024) |
| Days 101+ | $0 — you pay everything |
"Custodial care" — help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom — is not covered by Medicare regardless of how long you need it.
How people pay for long-term care
About 50% of long-term care is paid out of personal savings and income. This is why understanding costs in your state is so important for retirement planning.
Private LTC insurance pays a daily benefit toward care costs. Premiums are most affordable if you buy in your 50s or early 60s while healthy.
Medicaid covers nursing home care for people with very limited income and assets. Many people "spend down" their savings until they qualify. Rules vary by state.
Many families provide unpaid care at home. This can work for lighter care needs but often becomes unsustainable as needs increase.
Questions about coverage gaps?
Understanding what Medicare doesn't cover is an important part of retirement planning. Our team can help you understand your options for filling coverage gaps.
Get free helpThis calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or financial advice. EnrollMedicare.com is not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial planner. We do not sell annuities or investment products. This tool provides educational estimates only. Results are based on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation. Individual circumstances vary widely. Consult a licensed financial professional, tax advisor, or attorney before making any investment or retirement income decisions.