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How are we going to pay for this?
Medicaid pays for most nursing home care in the country, and in many states it helps with assisted living too. The rules are strict and every state runs its own version, so start with the basics here and then open your state's page.
Rules and phone numbers differ by state.Open your state's guide for the local version.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicaid.gov)
Pick your state to get the official Medicaid agency website, eligibility and enrollment links, and a phone number.
When to use it: When savings are running low, or will soon, and you need to know your state's Medicaid long-term care rules and how to apply.
Gifts or transfers made in the 60 months before applying can delay Medicaid coverage; talk to an elder law attorney before moving money.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicaid.gov)
Explains how Medicaid protects part of a married couple's savings and income for the spouse who stays at home when the other spouse needs long-term care, and links to the current year's dollar limits.
When to use it: When one parent needs a nursing home or Medicaid-paid care and the other is still living at home.
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Government explainer on how immediate annuities work and how they can affect Medicaid eligibility. Under federal law, an annuity used in Medicaid planning must name the state as a remainder beneficiary for the amount Medicaid paid.
When to use it: Before buying any annuity pitched as a way to qualify a parent for Medicaid.
Medicaid annuities are often sold aggressively and a mistake can cause a penalty or leave the state as beneficiary; get advice from an independent elder law attorney, not the person selling the product.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
PACE provides all medical and social care, including adult day care, to people 55 and older who need nursing home level care but can live safely in the community. People with Medicaid pay no monthly premium; Medicare-only members pay a monthly premium.
When to use it: When a parent needs nursing home level care but the family wants to keep them at home, and a PACE program serves your area.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays
National PACE Association
Search by ZIP code, state, county or name to see if a PACE program serves your parent's area. The association lists more than 200 programs in 33 states and DC.
When to use it: After learning about PACE, to check whether one exists where your parent lives.
Social Security Administration
Monthly payments (up to $994 for one person in 2026) for people 65 or older, blind or disabled with very little income and savings.
When to use it: When a parent has very low income and few assets and may qualify for cash help and Medicaid.
Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm. TTY 1-800-325-0778