Many seniors are used to relying on Medicare for medical and care needs, including limited nursing home care. It can be shocking to learn that Medicare cannot cover assisted living, especially not the costs associated with room and board. Medicare can still cover healthcare for seniors in assisted living. But this healthcare typically won’t include medical services rendered on-site at the assisted living facility. Some exceptions to this may include limited use of telehealth (video and phone doctor consultations). Seniors who are disappointed to learn that Medicare cannot cover assisted living room and board can explore other assistance options such as Medicaid and income/needs-based Social Security benefits.