How to Pay for Adult Day Care
Adult day care is the most affordable form of professional senior care, and there are more ways to pay for it than most families realize. Here's a complete guide to costs, coverage, and financial assistance options.
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Adult Day Care / Month
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Home Health Aide / Month
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Assisted Living / Month
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Nursing Home / Month
The Cost of Adult Day Care
The national median cost of adult day care is approximately $2,058 per month (about $98 per day), according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
That makes it significantly less expensive than other forms of professional care:
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $2,058 | $24,696 |
| Home Health Aide | $6,292 | $75,504 |
| Assisted Living Facility | $5,511 | $66,132 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $8,669 | $104,028 |
| Nursing Home (Private Room) | $11,642 | $139,704 |
Many families are surprised to learn that the cost of 5 days/week of adult day care is less than 2 days/week of a home health aide.
Costs vary significantly by location. Adult day care in a major metro area may cost more than in a rural area, but the relative savings compared to other care types holds true across the country.
What's typically included
- All daytime supervision and care
- Meals and snacks
- Planned activities and programs
- Basic health monitoring and medication management
- Personal care assistance
What may cost extra
- Transportation (though many centers include it or offer it at low cost)
- Specialized therapies (physical, occupational, speech)
- Extended hours or weekend programs
- Specialized memory care programming
Ways to Pay for Adult Day Care
There are several programs and options that can help cover the cost. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the single largest funder of adult day care services in the United States. If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid can cover most or all of the cost.
What to do
Contact your state Medicaid office or your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about adult day care coverage. The center you're considering can often help navigate this process.
VA Benefits
If your loved one is a veteran (or the surviving spouse of a veteran), the Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that can help pay for adult day care.
What to do
Contact your local VA medical center or call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. You can also visit va.gov to explore eligibility for these programs.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one purchased a long-term care insurance policy, it likely covers adult day care. Most policies do.
What to do
Call the insurance company listed on the policy and ask specifically about adult day care coverage. Have the policy number handy. The adult day care center's billing team can often help coordinate with your insurer.
Medicare
Medicare does not generally cover adult day care. This is one of the most common misconceptions families encounter.
However, there are limited exceptions:
What to do
If your loved one has a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan to ask about adult day care coverage. If they might qualify for PACE, search for PACE programs in your state at npaonline.org.
Ready to explore options near you?
Search our directory to find adult day care centers in your area. Each profile includes information about accepted payment methods.
Find a Center Near YouOther Ways to Help Cover the Cost
Putting It Together
Most families use a combination of sources to pay for adult day care. A common scenario might look like:
- 1 Medicaid covers 3 days per week
- 2 Family pays out of pocket for 2 additional days
- 3 Long-term care insurance reimburses a portion of the family's share
- 1 VA Aid & Attendance covers the monthly cost
- 2 The center provides transportation at no additional charge
The important thing to know: adult day care is almost always more affordable than families expect, and there are more payment options than most people realize. Don't rule it out on cost before you've explored what's available.
Start with the center.
When you find a center you're interested in, ask their admissions team about payment options. Good centers are experienced at helping families navigate Medicaid applications, VA claims, and insurance coordination. They deal with this every day and can often point you to resources you wouldn't find on your own.
Find a Center and Ask About Payment Options
Browse adult day care centers near you. Each profile includes information about accepted payment methods.