Long-Term Care Cost Calculator
See what long-term care costs in your state and calculate how to plan for it in 2026.
Long-Term Care Cost Calculator
See what long-term care costs in your state and estimate what you'd need to cover it.
For insurance estimate (optional)
For insurance estimate (optional)
Long-term care cost estimates are based on national and regional averages from Genworth's Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs vary significantly by location, facility, and level of care required. This calculator is for educational purposes only.
Understanding Long-Term Care Costs
Long-term care refers to help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and getting around. It can be provided at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home. The costs vary significantly by location and type of care.
What Medicare covers (and doesn't)
Medicare covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days after a 3-day hospital stay — but that's for rehabilitation, not long-term custodial care. After 20 days, you pay $204/day. After 100 days, Medicare pays nothing.
Key point: Custodial care — help with bathing, dressing, eating, getting around — is not covered by Medicare at all, whether at home or in a facility.
Your options for covering long-term care
1. Self-Insure
Save enough to pay out of pocket. Typically requires $300,000–500,000+ depending on your state and expected care needs.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance
Pays a daily/monthly benefit when you need care. Typical cost at 65: $3,000–5,000/year for a couple.
3. Hybrid Life/LTC Insurance
Combines life insurance with LTC benefits. Eliminates "use it or lose it" concern of traditional LTC insurance.
4. Medicaid (Last Resort)
Covers long-term care only after you've spent down most assets. Consult an elder law attorney if considering this path.
»Not sure which option is right for you? Talk to an advisor
Key statistics
Key Terms
- Custodial Care: Non-medical help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating. Not covered by Medicare.
- Skilled Nursing: Medical care from licensed nurses. Medicare covers up to 100 days after a 3-day hospital stay.
- ADLs: Activities of Daily Living — the 6 tasks used to measure care needs: bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, continence.
Related calculators:
Need help planning for long-term care?
Long-term care planning is complex and very personal. Our team can help you understand your options.
Calculator based on official CMS data • Last updated Jan 1, 2026