What Medicare covers for senior careMedicare pays for short-term medical care: rehab in a nursing home after a hospital stay, nursing and therapy at home, and hospice. It does not pay for long-term help with daily living, in assisted living, a nursing home or at home.Read the guide Medi-Cal for long-term care in CaliforniaMedi-Cal is the program that pays for long nursing home stays in California, and for some care at home and in assisted living. In 2026 the state brought back an asset limit of $130,000 for one person, along with a look-back on gifts and transfers.Read the guide Long-term care insurance in CaliforniaLong-term care insurance pays for the help Medicare doesn’t: assisted living, nursing home stays and caregivers at home, once you need help with daily activities. California’s Partnership policies add protection for your savings if you ever need Medi-Cal.Read the guide VA Aid and AttendanceAid and Attendance is extra money added to a VA pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. It can help pay for assisted living, a nursing home or care at home.Read the guide Paying for assisted living in CaliforniaPrivate pay, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits and the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver in 15 counties.Read the guide