Costs & paying for care.

Start with a written breakdown.

Ask each provider for base costs, additional care charges, deposits, rate increases, and what happens if needs change. Compare the same services and hours.

Private pay

Ask what you would pay directly and which services are billed separately. Your budget helps with planning; it does not change your care-needs classification.

Medicare

Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Ask the plan and treating team to verify any skilled-care or rehabilitation coverage for the individual situation. Read Medicare’s long-term care guidance.

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Ask a qualified benefits counselor or your state program about eligibility, available services, participating providers, and application steps. Do not assume a particular setting will be covered.

Long-term care insurance

Ask the insurer to explain the policy’s covered services, benefit limits, waiting periods, and documentation requirements before committing to care.