Senior Care Affordability Calculator

A savings runway is how many months your liquid assets can cover the monthly gap between senior care costs and your income. For example, if assisted living costs $5,000/mo and income is $2,500/mo, the $2,500 gap means $150,000 in savings lasts about 60 months (5 years).

Most states require individuals to reduce countable assets below a threshold (often $2,000–$3,000) before qualifying for Medicaid long-term care benefits. The spend-down period is the time it takes to reach that limit at your current care spend rate. This calculator estimates when that threshold may be reached based on your inputs.

No. This tool provides educational estimates only. Medicaid rules, look-back periods, and asset exclusions vary by state and individual circumstance. Consult a certified senior care financial advisor or elder law attorney before making care funding decisions.

Countable assets typically include bank accounts, investments, a second home, and most property. Excluded (non-countable) assets usually include your primary residence (up to a state-set equity limit), one vehicle, household furnishings, and pre-paid burial plans. This calculator asks for liquid/countable assets only.

Once countable assets fall below your state's Medicaid limit, you may apply for Medicaid long-term care benefits. Medicaid can cover nursing home costs and, in many states, assisted living care services through HCBS waiver programs. The application process takes 45–90 days, so it is advisable to begin the screener before you reach the limit.