One receives MediCARE when they reach 65 years old. This becomes your primary health care insurance and pay s for hospitalization, well and sick visits to your doctor, and medical test. If you are injured and need skilled care found in a nursing home, your costs will be covered for a limited period of time only. If it is determined that you will not recover enough to return home, then you will have to pay directly to the nursing home, or apply for MedicAID. In Michigan the average cost is $8,018 a month, and the average length of stay is 7 years.