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Many Believe Medicare Pays for Long-Term Care — It Does Not

Insurance misunderstandings leave many Georgia families unprepared

Adrion Bell,

AARP Georgia

Published May 05, 2026

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Who pays for long-term care? Many older adults still are not sure. A recent AARP survey found that fewer than three in ten adults have seriously discussed how they want to be cared for as they age or how they will continue living independently if they need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or transportation.

That uncertainty can be costly—especially in Georgia, where the older population continues to grow rapidly. More than 1.8 million Georgians are age 60 or older, and by 2030, one in five residents is expected to be age 60+. As the population ages, the need for caregiving, home support, and residential care will rise significantly.

Long-Term Care Is Expensive

According to the latest 2025 Genworth Financial / CareScout Cost of Care Survey, long-term care remains one of the largest financial risks facing older adults and families. National median annual costs now include:

Assisted living community: $74,400
Nursing home semi-private room: $114,975
Nursing home private room: $129,575
In-home non-medical caregiver services: $80,080 (44 hours/week)

Georgia costs are somewhat lower than national averages, but still substantial. Recent state-level data found median annual costs in Georgia at approximately:

Assisted living: $59,280
Nursing home semi-private room: $105,850
Nursing home private room: $113,150
Home care: $64,000+ annually

Even at lower-than-average rates, these expenses can quickly deplete retirement savings.

Medicare Does Not Cover Most Long-Term Care

Unfortunately, about half of older adults surveyed believe Medicare covers ongoing nursing home stays or long-term home health aide services. In most cases, that is incorrect.

Medicare generally covers:

Short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualified hospital stay
Limited medically necessary home health services
Doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions (depending on the plan)

Family Caregivers Carry Much of the Burden

In Georgia, hundreds of thousands of unpaid family caregivers already provide care for aging parents, spouses, and loved ones, often while balancing jobs and children of their own. The economic value of unpaid caregiving nationally now exceeds $1 trillion annually, according to AARP research.

Planning Ahead Matters

Older adults should make long-term care part of their retirement and estate planning now, not during a crisis. Important steps include:

Discussing care preferences with family
Reviewing finances and insurance options
Exploring home modifications to age safely at home
Learning about community-based services in Georgia
Consulting elder law or financial planning professionals

Long-term care insurance in Georgia is often a sought-after option. The most qualified candidates are age 65 and younger, in reasonably good health, and financially able to maintain premiums. In Georgia, the average monthly cost of long-term care insurance typically ranges from $90 to $350 per month for an individual depending on age, gender, health and coverage design.

Starting the conversation early can protect independence, finances, and reduce stress for loved ones later.

For more information on Medicare, visit https://www.aarp.org/medicare/