Does Medicare help pay for assisted living?

Medicare pays for up to 100 days in a nursing home -- the patient must require skilled care or rehab. Medicare pays for no other custodial care than that.

Medicaid MAY....? Maybe someone has a definitive answer. I personally don't think so. Again, I think one must have a skilled need.

Hope someone else knows they know. ;)

Medicare does not cover any long-term care, just temporary stays for rehab.
Medicaid is yes and no : Some states will cover it under Medicaid Waiver, since it's a community residence and keeps people OUT of nursing homes.
42 states cover ALF, I will send you a link privately listing them

That is not quite correct. Medicare pays for 100% for only 21 days, not a 100 days. After the 21st day(and this is an SNF/Rehab where the patient is getting physical therapy and making improvments). On the 22nd day it goes down to 80/20 where the patient has to pay the 20% or if they have a secondary insurance that will cover that.

But it is only 21 days fully covered.

But Medicare doesn't pay for assisted living.

My mom paid $100 a day from day one. It depends on your coverage and what state you are in.

Your state Medicaid program can divert Medicaid skilled nursing $$ to other programs. An AL can choose to participate in a diversion if they want to & can determine how many beds will be set aside for it.

Most AL do not and it's all private pay. For those that do accept Medicaid diversion payment, there will be a waiting list for the beds. The list is almost always filled from current residents who are private pay. Usually you have to be private pay for 2 years before you get to the top of the list. In theory someone from the outside could have their name put on the list but in reality they will never ever get the bed. A totally legit & clever way to keep the demographics of a favility to be more affluent and less diverse.

Here in Illinois, we have a Supportive Living Program for pre approved assisted livings. Same services and amenities of an assisted living. The term "Supportive" is purely financial. If a resident moves in with assets, they will be paying privately. When the spend down to $2000, they can make application to Medicaid. When approved, they will contribute the majority of their income (less $90.00) Medicaid will pick up the remainder. Meals, medicine management, housekeeping, laundry and other assistance (varies from different communities) are included. Keeping seniors who need some help remaining somewhat independent but not needing skilled.