Long-term care includes a range of services to meet a person's health or personal care needs when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own. Long-term care is generally not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare.
This page gives an overview of
services and some options to help pay for care.
To find local resources or talk with someone about options:
Long-term care services
In your home
Home-based services and supports help you stay independent and safe in your home. Services vary based on a person's level and type of need. Services can be short-term, while recovering from an injury or illness, or long-term for many years, and can range from simple checks to more in-depth services.
In your community
Services in your community may include meals, transportation or help managing chronic conditions. People often combine community-based services with in-home support. Services vary depending on where you live.
In a care facility
There are many facility-based living options in Oregon, including adult foster care, assisted living and residential care facilities, nursing facilities and memory care communities.
PACE Program
Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
PACE is a Medicare program and a Medicaid service option that offers a range of health and personal care services in an all-inclusive service model. Over 30 states offer PACE services, including Oregon. PACE provides comprehensive services including coverage for health care and long-term services and supports.
PACE Fact Sheet
Paying for your care
Medicare
Medicare generally doesn't pay for long-term care. Medicare will help pay for skilled nursing or home health care if you meet certain conditions in connection with a hospital stay.
Visit
www.medicare.gov for more information.
Need Medicare help? Visit Oregon SHIBA.
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance can help pay for long-term care costs. Long-term care insurance may not be appropriate for everyone.
Visit the
Oregon Insurance Division website for help deciding if long-term care insurance is right for you.
Oregon Project Independence
Oregon Project Independence is a program designed to help people stay in their homes. It is for people who do not receive Medicaid long-term care services.
Services may include:
- Home-delivered meals
- Personal care
- Transportation assistance
- Respite care
- Help in the home
Medicaid long-term care services
Medicaid pays the long-term care costs for eligible, low-income individuals. There are several programs that may provide assistance, each with different eligibility criteria. Services can be provided in a person’s home or in a care setting.
Services may include:
To apply for Medicaid: Visit the Oregon Health Plan website.
Healthier Oregon
Under the state's Healthier Oregon program, people ages 19 to 25, or 55 and older, who meet the financial eligibility criteria, will have access, regardless of immigration status, to:
- Full Oregon Health Plan benefits including medical care, physical exams, dental care, mental health care, prescriptions, transportation to appointments and more.
Those who meet service eligibility criteria will have access to:
- APD long-term services and supports which include help with activities of daily living, such as mobility, eating, toileting and supports related to cognitive issues.
Oregon Health Plan benefits will not be considered Public Charge determinations, but there is an exception for individuals receiving long-term care in nursing facilities or mental health institutions. For questions about receiving benefits and immigration status, see "Know the Facts about Public Charge."
Resources