Long-Term Care Stay Cost Calculator 2026
Long-term care costs in 2026 average $9,500/month nursing home (semi-private), $5,500/month assisted living, $5,800/month home health aide (44hrs/week). State variation: NY/CT 2x national average. This tool projects multi-year LTC cost with inflation.
Why LTC Planning Matters
70% of Americans 65+ will need some long-term care. Average stay: 2-3 years. Cost: $200K-$1M+ depending on type and state. Medicare does NOT cover LTC (only post-hospital skilled nursing for 100 days). Medicaid eligibility requires asset spend-down to $2K-$3K. Without LTC insurance or substantial assets, families bear cost.
Cost by Care Type (2025 medians)
Nursing home private: $10,800/mo. Semi-private: $9,500/mo. Memory care: $7,500/mo. Assisted living: $5,500/mo. Home health aide (44 hr/wk): $5,800/mo. Adult day care: $1,900/mo. Annual inflation: 3-5% historically; faster in recent years. All numbers vary 50% above or below by state.
Funding Options
(1) Self-fund — requires $500K-$1M+ assets. (2) LTC insurance — premium $2-6K/yr if bought at 55-60, much higher later. (3) Hybrid life insurance with LTC rider — combines death benefit with LTC. (4) Medicaid spend-down — requires depleting assets to $2K. (5) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) — entrance fee + monthly fee covers all care levels. Plan early; LTC insurance underwriting tightens with age and health.
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025, CMS Medicaid LTC Data, CDC Long-Term Care Statistics. Last updated: May 2026.