Rochester Senior AdvisorDoes Medicare pay for assisted living?
No; Medicare never pays assisted living rent or personal care, though it pays for doctor visits, home health and hospice delivered to a resident.
Medicare Advantage plans do not cover assisted living rent either.
How many days of nursing home rehab does Medicare cover?
Up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying three-day inpatient hospital stay, in full for days 1 to 20 and with daily coinsurance for days 21 to 100, while skilled care is needed.
Observation days do not count toward the three days.
What is the VA Aid and Attendance rate for 2026?
The maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents and $18,697 for a surviving spouse, for December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.
The VA pays the difference between that rate and countable income after medical expenses.
Is there a VA medical center near Rochester?
Yes; the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua serves the region and offers long-term care programs, and VA clinics operate in the Rochester area.
Veterans service officers in each county help with pension claims for free.
Where can I get free Medicare counseling in Monroe County?
From HIICAP, the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program, at (585) 287-6413 for Monroe County residents 60 and older or their representatives.
Other counties' Offices for the Aging run their own HIICAP counselors.
Can hospice come to an assisted living residence?
Yes; Medicare hospice serves residents of adult homes, assisted living residences and nursing homes, and most residents can stay where they live.
The residence and the hospice coordinate the plan of care.
What is EPIC?
EPIC is New York's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program, which helps residents 65 and older with income limits pay for prescriptions alongside Medicare Part D; its participant helpline is 1-800-332-3742.
HIICAP counselors can check whether a parent qualifies.
Does Medicare Advantage change what is covered for rehab?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover skilled nursing facility care but may require prior authorization, use network homes and waive or keep the three-day hospital rule, so the plan's own rules apply.
Call the plan before choosing a rehab facility.
Who helps Rochester veterans file for pension?
Accredited county veterans service officers and national service organizations help for free; federal rules bar charging a fee to prepare an initial pension claim.
Bring discharge papers (DD-214), income records and care bills.
At a glance
| Medicare and VA do pay | Medicare and VA do not pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | Skilled rehab, home health, hospice | Assisted living rent |
| VA pension | A monthly amount toward any care | The facility directly |
