How to Financially Prepare for Long-Term Disability Care

Living with a disability often means planning for long-term care needs, whether it’s home health care, assisted living, or specialized medical treatment. The costs can be overwhelming, but with the right financial strategies, you can secure quality care without jeopardizing your benefits.

This guide covers how to afford long-term disability care, available financial assistance programs, and smart ways to plan ahead.

1. Understanding the Cost of Long-Term Disability Care

The cost of long-term care depends on where you live, the level of care you need, and how it’s provided. Here are some estimated 2025 costs:

Type of Care	Average Monthly Cost
In-Home Care (Home Health Aide)	$5,200
Assisted Living Facility	$4,800
Nursing Home (Semi-Private Room)	$8,500
Nursing Home (Private Room)	$9,500+

📌 Key Takeaway: Even with disability benefits, most people need additional financial support to cover long-term care.

2. Will Medicaid or Medicare Cover Long-Term Disability Care?

Medicaid & Long-Term Care (Best for Low-Income Individuals)

✅ Medicaid covers long-term care if you meet income and asset limits.

✅ Covers nursing home care, home health services, and personal care assistants.

✅ Some states offer Medicaid Waivers for in-home and community-based care.

❌ Medicaid has strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals in most states).

Medicare & Long-Term Care (Limited Coverage)

✅ Covers short-term skilled nursing or rehab after a hospital stay.

✅ Covers home health care (if prescribed by a doctor).

❌ Does NOT cover long-term nursing home care or assisted living.

📌 Key Tip: If your income is slightly above Medicaid limits, you may qualify through a Medicaid Spend-Down Program.

3. How to Pay for Long-Term Care Without Losing Benefits

If Medicaid or Medicare won’t cover all costs, consider these alternative funding options:

A. Use an ABLE Account for Disability-Related Expenses 🏦

• ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without affecting SSI/Medicaid eligibility.

• Funds can be used for in-home care, medical equipment, transportation, and more.

B. Apply for Long-Term Care Insurance (If You Qualify) 🏥

• Private long-term care insurance helps cover nursing home and in-home care costs.

• Best for younger individuals with disabilities who can qualify before their condition worsens.

• May not be an option for individuals with pre-existing disabilities.

C. Use a Special Needs Trust (SNT) to Protect Your Benefits 🔒

• A Special Needs Trust (SNT) allows family members to set aside money for your care without affecting SSI or Medicaid.

• Funds can pay for caregivers, medical costs, and assistive technology.

D. Apply for Government & Nonprofit Assistance Programs 🏛️

• State disability programs may provide home care services and financial aid.

• Nonprofit organizations like the National Disability Institute offer grants and low-cost resources.

📌 Key Tip: Check with your state Medicaid office for home and community-based services that could cover in-home care costs.

4. Budgeting for Long-Term Care While on SSI or SSDI

✅ Track Monthly Expenses – Understand how much care you need and what you can afford.

✅ Use Benefits Wisely – Maximize Medicare, Medicaid, and disability benefits.

✅ Avoid Asset Limit Violations – Keep savings below SSI/Medicaid thresholds ($2,000 individual, $3,000 couple) unless using an ABLE account or SNT.

✅ Plan for Emergencies – Unexpected medical costs can derail finances without a plan.

📌 Pro Tip: Purple can help you track expenses, stay under asset limits, and plan for future care needs.

5. Plan Ahead with Purple

Long-term disability care can be expensive, but smart planning can ensure you get the care you need without losing critical benefits.

💜 Want to protect your financial future? Get started with Purple today and take control of your long-term care planning!