2026 senior care costs at a glance
The numbers below show the national 2026 median monthly cost for each major type of senior care. Local prices can be 20-40% above or below these depending on state and metro area.
| Care type | National median / month | Annual | Medicaid coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home health aide (44 hr/wk) | $6,300 | $75,600 | Covered via HCBS waiver |
| Adult day program | $2,100 | $25,200 | Covered via HCBS waiver |
| Assisted living | $5,500 | $66,000 | Care only; room & board out-of-pocket |
| Memory care | $7,000 | $84,000 | Same as assisted living |
| Nursing home — semi-private | $9,500 | $114,000 | Fully covered if eligible |
| Nursing home — private | $10,700 | $128,400 | Fully covered if eligible |
| Hospice (Medicare-certified) | $0 out-of-pocket | — | Covered by Medicare or Medicaid |
What Medicaid actually pays for
Nursing home care
If you qualify for Medicaid long-term care, Medicaid pays the entire cost of nursing home care in a Medicaid-certified facility. The resident contributes any monthly income (Social Security, pension) toward the cost, minus a small "personal needs allowance" (typically $30-$80/month). Medicaid covers the gap.
Assisted living
Medicaid does not pay for room and board at assisted living in most states. Through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, Medicaid pays for the care services delivered in assisted living — bathing, dressing, medication management, supervision. The resident is responsible for room and board (often $1,500-$3,000/month) but the state may cap this at the SSI federal benefit amount.
Home care
Medicaid pays for in-home personal care through HCBS waivers in every state. Hours allowed depend on assessed need — typically 20-40 hours per week, sometimes more for high-need recipients. Some states allow family members (including adult children) to be paid as caregivers.
Adult day programs
Covered through HCBS waivers in most states. Provides daytime supervision, meals, social activities, and basic health monitoring — often used as respite for family caregivers.
Hospice
Hospice for someone with a terminal diagnosis (life expectancy under 6 months) is covered at 100% by Medicare or Medicaid. This includes medications, equipment, nursing visits, and family support — at home or in an inpatient hospice facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nursing home cost in 2026?
The national median for a semi-private room in a nursing home in 2026 is approximately $9,500 per month, or $114,000 per year. A private room runs about $10,700 per month. Costs vary widely by state — Alaska and Hawaii are the highest (often $15,000-$20,000/month), while Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri are among the lowest (around $6,500-$7,500/month).
How much does assisted living cost in 2026?
The national median monthly cost of assisted living in 2026 is approximately $5,500, or $66,000 per year. Memory care typically adds 20-30% on top, bringing it to $6,800-$7,200 per month. The District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Washington state are the most expensive; Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas are the least expensive.
What does Medicaid pay for senior care?
Medicaid covers most or all of the cost of nursing home care for those who qualify. Through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, Medicaid also covers personal care, adult day programs, and the care portion of assisted living (though typically not the room and board portion of assisted living). Use our Medicaid Eligibility Checker to find out if you qualify.
How much does home health care cost?
In-home care averages $33 per hour nationally in 2026. At 44 hours per week (a common arrangement), that's approximately $6,300 per month. Skilled home health (a nurse for wound care, IV therapy, etc.) is typically covered short-term by Medicare; long-term home care is mostly Medicaid-funded through HCBS waivers or paid privately.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
No, not in the way most people think. Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, and home health when ordered by a doctor. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, eating) at home, assisted living, or nursing home stays beyond rehabilitation. That's Medicaid's role.
How can I afford care if I'm in the middle — too rich for Medicaid, too poor for private pay?
This is the most painful situation in senior care. Options include: legitimate Medicaid spend-down with an elder-law attorney, long-term care insurance (only if purchased before need), reverse mortgages, life insurance "accelerated death benefits," veterans benefits (Aid & Attendance), and family care arrangements. Adult children sharing a parent's care across the country is increasingly common. There is no single perfect solution — most families combine 2-3 sources.