Medicare and Medicaid sound similar but pay for very different things-and mixing them up can leave your family with a five-figure monthly bill. Here's what each program actually covers for elder care.

Elder care costs in 2026 are brutal, and the system is confusing even when you're not exhausted and scared. This guide walks you through Medicare limits, Medicaid rules, hidden costs, and realistic ways families can fund care when the numbers don't add up.