Many people believe Medicare will pay for their long-term care costs. That’s not true. Medicare will pay for UP TO 100 days if you had a qualifying hospital stay, if you are discharged to a nursing home for skilled therapy, and then only while you’re receiving skilled therapy. See Center for Medicare Advocacy, Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage In Light of Jimmo v. Sebelius. Long-term care insurance is a better bet unless you want to rely on Medicaid Planning.