Long-Term Care Cost Calculator
Estimate your future long-term care costs by state and plan your funding strategy.
Your Profile
Total Projected Care Cost
$438,086
over 3 years starting at age 80
Funding Gap
$388,086
Est. Insurance Premium
$8/mo
Cost Comparison Today
Cost Projection
Funding Strategy
Planning Tips
- With 20+ years until potential care needs, consistent investing may outperform insurance premiums.
- Consider starting or increasing dedicated LTC savings alongside any insurance coverage.
Estimates based on industry averages. Actual LTC costs and insurance premiums vary by provider, health status, and exact location.
Long-Term Care Costs in 2026
Long-term care is one of the largest financial risks in retirement. About 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. The average need lasts about 3 years, but 20% of people need care for 5 or more years. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care — only short-term skilled nursing after a hospital stay. Without a plan, LTC costs can drain a lifetime of savings in just a few years.
Average Long-Term Care Costs by Type (2026)
| Care Type | National Median (Annual) | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide (44 hrs/wk) | $68,640 | $188 |
| Assisted Living Facility | $64,200 | $176 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $108,405 | $297 |
| Nursing Home (Private Room) | $120,450 | $330 |
| Memory Care (Alzheimer's/Dementia) | $79,200 | $217 |
Most and Least Expensive States
| Most Expensive | Nursing Home Cost | Least Expensive | Nursing Home Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $164,776 | Oklahoma | $78,052 |
| Connecticut | $146,347 | Louisiana | $81,304 |
| New York | $143,095 | Mississippi | $78,052 |
| Massachusetts | $140,927 | Arkansas | $78,052 |
| New Jersey | $135,506 | Alabama | $84,556 |
LTC Insurance: Key Facts
Traditional LTC insurance covers a daily benefit for a specified period (typically 2-5 years). Premiums depend heavily on your age when you buy: a 55-year-old couple might pay $3,000-$4,500/year for a $200/day benefit with 3% inflation protection. The same coverage at age 65 could cost $6,000-$9,000/year. Hybrid life/LTC policies have grown popular because they guarantee a benefit even if you never need care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Medicare only covers skilled nursing care (up to 100 days) following a qualifying hospital stay of 3+ days. It does not cover custodial care — help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating — which is what most long-term care actually involves. Medicaid covers long-term care but only after you've spent down most of your assets.
What age should I buy LTC insurance?
Most financial planners recommend buying between ages 50-60. Before 50, premiums are low but you're paying for decades before you might need it. After 65, premiums increase dramatically and health issues may make you uninsurable. The sweet spot is typically 55-60 — old enough that the need feels real, young enough for affordable rates and good health.
Is it better to self-insure or buy insurance?
If you have $1 million or more in liquid assets, self-insuring might work — you can afford to lose $300K-$500K without devastating your retirement. If your assets are between $200K-$1M, insurance is usually the smarter choice because a 3-5 year nursing home stay could wipe you out. Below $200K, Medicaid may eventually cover your care after a spend-down period.
See also: Medicare Cost Calculator and Retirement Calculator.