Does Medicare pay for long term nursing care?

Unless she is in need of skilled nursing care, Medicare will not pay. I would start her qualification for Medicade immediately, since it differs from state to state. While it won't be of value to you personally, a forum such as this one is a good place to bring forward the to your congressional representatives the apparent lack of respect for the elderly in many states where Medicade has been rejected

Babalou, I'm not wanting inheritance, it just seems a ridiculous price to pay for care and the quality of some nursing homes is still very poor. My parents unfortunately didn't save any money for retirement and they need to live off Medicare and Medicaid. That was their choice and from watching their experience I know I do not want to repeat that and we already have a good start to retirement savings.

Medicare pays nothing for long-term care. Rehab, yes. TCU, yes. Long-term care, no. Medicare covers various costs such as medications in a nursing home, but not the charge for the nursing home itself.

It is too bad about the month gap. Each state has their own requirements. But often elderly people with chronic conditions do move to be nearer family, and it is a pity, since this is a federal program, that there seems to be a penalty for moving.

Yes. My mom is in a NH, $12,000 per month. My parents were Middle Class Americans. We were told as children that our parents had every intention of using the monies they'd saved on themselves, one way or another. We all have our own careers, and no expectations of inheritance. I've brought my kids up with the same lack of expectation of inheritance.

Is there something unexpected about that scenario?

Okay. Gosh that is so ridiculous. So people who need nursing care basically spend their life savings until it's gone then Medicaid picks up (unless they are very wealthy)?

Babalou's right. Once someone goes from a hospital to a rehab facility (which is usually located in a nursing home) Medicare pays for something like 28 days. In those 28 days the family must apply for Medicaid for their loved one if they're going to stay because it's Medicaid who pays the rehab after the 28 days are up.

People who are on Medicare and not living in a facility are responsible for a 20% copay because, as you said, Medicare only pays 80% but that doesn't apply to someone who's in a facility.

Medicare will pay for rehab after a qualifying 3 day hospital stay. I doubt that Medicare is currently paying any of your mom's ltc expenses.