Private funding: An individual pays for the nursing or rest home stay using his or her own personal resources.
After these savings and other resources are spent, many people who stay in nursing homes for long periods become eligible for Medicaid (also called MassHealth).
Some people use long-term care insurance to help cover Nursing Home costs. Contact the Division of Insurance for a copy of their book titled Your Options for Financing Long Term Care - A Massachusetts Guide, 617-521-7777.
Medicare: a federal health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medicare pays for skilled nursing or rehabilitative care at a Medicare-certified facility for a limited time as long as you continue to meet the Medicare criteria.
Medigap insurance and HMO's: These types of health insurance only help pay for Medicare-certified stays in a skilled nursing facility.
Learn more about Medicare from the SHINE Program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-636), the CMS web site or calling the CMS national customer service number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicaid is a public benefit program. In Massachusetts, the program is administered by the Division of Medical Assistance and is called MassHealth.
For people who meet income and clinical criteria.
Learn more about long term care Medicaid from MassHealth, the CMS website or call the Medicaid Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900.
Veterans' Benefits administered by the state Department of Veterans' Services.
For Veterans, and their spouses, based on financial need.
Learn more about Veterans' Benefits from the local Veterans' Agent in your community, the Department of Veterans' Services website, or call 1-877-222-8387.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is administered by the Social Security Administration.
For people with limited income and disabled or age 65 and over and who meet residency requirements.
To learn more about SSI, call your local Social Security Office, visit the Social Security Administration website, or call the Social Security Customer Service Office at 1-800-772-1213.