Ways to pay for care.

Private pay: compare the full cost.

Private pay means using your own or your family’s money to pay for care. If you have long-term care insurance, ask your insurer what services and care homes your policy covers and which rules apply.

• Ask for the base rate and a written list of additional charges.
• Discuss deposits, move-in charges, medication support, transport, and changes in care needs.
• Ask how rate increases, refunds, and notice periods work.
• Ask what happens if you need to change how you pay later.

You do not pay us a placement fee for our Washington placement service. The care home charges separately for care and housing. If a care home will pay us for an eligible referral, we’ll explain that arrangement before making the referral.

Medicaid: find out what help is available.

Medicaid may help pay for long-term care if you meet your state’s requirements. Programs that help you receive care at home or in the community vary. Even if you qualify, you’ll need to ask each care home or program whether it accepts your Medicaid benefits.

• Ask your state’s Medicaid office about the income, savings, and care needs it considers.
• Ask which program could help and how to apply.
• Ask the care home or program whether it accepts those benefits for someone starting care.
• Ask about waiting lists and any costs you would still need to pay.

Read the official Medicaid home and community-based services information.

Medicare: know what is covered.

Medicare generally does not pay for long-term help with everyday personal tasks. Medicare Part A may cover a short stay in a skilled nursing facility if you meet its requirements.

• Ask the hospital or care team whether skilled nursing or rehabilitation is needed.
• Before a stay, check whether you qualify, whether the facility accepts your coverage, and what your plan requires.
• Ask about costs and what happens when skilled coverage ends.
• Do not assume a rehabilitation stay will cover future long-term housing or personal care.

Medicare and long-term care · Medicare skilled nursing facility coverage

Unsure where to begin?

Tell us where you need care and the kind of help you’re looking for. We can talk through the questions to ask and where to start. Your Medicaid office, Medicare, or insurer will confirm whether you qualify and what is covered.

Want to talk it through? Call 206-586-3231. You can also text us or email welcome@bestcarematch.com.