Medicare Doesn't Cover This Key Expense -- and It's a Big One

Core Insights - Many seniors anticipate turning 65 for Medicare eligibility, but Medicare does not cover all health-related services, leading to potential financial surprises for retirees [1][5] - Long-term care is a significant expense that Medicare does not cover, which can lead to financial difficulties if not planned for [2][3] Long-term Care Costs - Long-term care costs are rising, and Medicare does not cover these expenses as they are not considered medical in nature [3] - Average long-term care costs in 2024 include: - Home health aide: $77,792 per year - Assisted living: $70,800 per year - Nursing home with shared room: $111,325 per year - Nursing home with private room: $127,750 per year [6][4] Financial Planning for Long-term Care - It is crucial for retirees to have a plan for long-term care to avoid financial upheaval, as Medicare will not provide coverage [5][7] - Options for funding long-term care include boosting retirement savings, with some individuals relying on large IRA or 401(k) balances [7] - Retirees should consider that their savings may diminish over time, especially if long-term care is needed later in retirement [8]