The short answer
Medicare generally does not pay for a custodial caregiver — the person who helps with bathing, dressing, meals, and companionship day after day. That surprise causes real stress for NYC families who assumed “Mom has Medicare, so care is covered.”
When Medicare may help (limited)
In some situations, Medicare may cover short-term skilled home health services (for example, intermittent skilled nursing or therapy) when eligibility rules are met — often tied to a recent hospital stay or a need for skilled care, not open-ended aide hours. These benefits are not the same as long-term home attendant care.
What families usually use instead
- Private pay for flexible aide hours
- Medicaid / MLTC pathways when eligible
- Other New York programs — ask intake what may apply to your case
See Paying for care and MLTC in New York. Call 347-745-6600 for a case-specific conversation.