How We Help Families
Cost Comparison by State
Detailed cost breakdowns for all 50 states, including social vs. medical model pricing and what affects your final bill.
Read Cost Guide → All 50 States Table →Medicaid Coverage Guide
Learn which states cover adult day care through Medicaid HCBS waivers, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.
Medicaid Guide →Does Medicare Cover Adult Day Care?
Medicare Parts A and B do not cover adult day care. Learn about Part C exceptions, PACE, and Medicaid HCBS waivers as alternatives.
Medicare Coverage Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about adult day care: hours, what's included, Medicare vs. Medicaid, and more.
See All FAQs →Latest Articles
Does Medicare Cover Adult Day Care? 2026 Coverage Guide
Medicare does not cover adult day care in most cases. 2026 guide: Parts A/B/C rules, PACE eligibility, Medicaid HCBS...
Adult Day Care vs. Adult Day Healthcare
Adult day care vs adult day healthcare: key differences in medical staffing, Medicaid coverage, eligibility, and costs...
Respite Care vs Adult Day Care: Key Differences
Respite care and adult day care overlap in name but not in structure. Here is how they differ on cost, schedule,...
Adult Day Care Activities: What to Expect
Discover the types of adult day care activities available for seniors, from cognitive games to social events, and how...
Medicare Adult Daycare Coverage: What's Actually Paid
Medicare adult daycare coverage in 2026: the new GUIDE dementia program, Medicare Advantage benefits, and PACE. What...
PACE Program: Complete Coverage Guide for Families
Everything families need to know about PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) — who qualifies, what's...
Need Help Choosing the Right Program?
A free senior care advisor can help you compare adult day care options in your area, explain Medicaid eligibility, and find programs within your budget.
Get Free Care AdvicePowered by A Place for Mom · Available in all 50 states
Latest News
How Adult Day Care Helps Prevent Family Caregiver Burnout
Family caregivers who use adult day care report lower rates of burnout, better sleep, and longer ability to sustain...
PACE Programs: What Families Should Know About This Adult Day Care Alternative
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive medical and social services — including...
Adult Day Care Licensing and Oversight: What State Regulations Cover
Adult day care centers are licensed and regulated by state health departments. Understanding what state oversight covers...
Common Questions
Who pays for adult day care?
Adult day care is typically paid for by the participant's family, Medicaid (through Home and Community-Based Services waivers), the Department of Veterans Affairs, or long-term care insurance. Some states also offer sliding-scale subsidies based on income. Private pay is common for families who do not qualify for public programs.
Is adult day care covered by Medicare?
Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover adult day care. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include adult day care as a supplemental benefit. Medicaid, which is separate from Medicare, frequently covers adult day care through HCBS waiver programs in most states.
What does adult day care cost per day?
The national average cost is $95 per day (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), but prices range from $60 to $200 depending on your state, the level of care provided (social vs. medical model), and program-specific fees. See our full cost guide with state-by-state breakdowns for detailed pricing.
Does Medicare pay for adult day care?
Traditional Medicare does not cover adult day care. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include day care benefits. Medicaid often does cover it through HCBS waiver programs.
How many hours per day is adult day care?
Most adult day care programs run 6-10 hours per day, typically from 7am to 5pm. Many centers also offer half-day options for 4-5 hours.
What is the difference between adult day care and adult day health care?
Adult day care (social model) focuses on activities and socialization. Adult day health care (medical model) adds nursing care, therapy, and medication management.
Explore Our Guides
Adult Day Care Cost Guide 2026
State-by-state cost breakdowns, daily and monthly averages, and what factors affect your bill.
Read Cost Guide →Does Medicaid Cover Adult Day Care?
Which states cover adult day care through Medicaid waivers, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Medicaid Coverage Guide →Adult Day Care vs. Nursing Home 2026
Compare costs ($78/day vs. $9,581/month), care levels, Medicaid coverage, and quality of life — to make the right choice for your family.
Read Comparison →