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Medicare is designed for people 65 years and older.  The primary goal of Medicare is to cover short term or acute care.  Most people use Medicare dollars for homecare, hospital or rehab only for a limited period.  Unfortunately, Medicare is not designed to pay for care over the long term.  Most people opt to apply for Medicaid, which is a benefit based on income.  It is sometimes possible to "spend-down" this income and these assets in order to qualify.  It is important to seek assistance in better understanding the guidelines for spending down in this way.  You can contact 1-800-Medicare or visit the Web sites www.medicare.gov and www.cms.hhs.gov.  Many local Area Agencies on Aging offer a benefits counseling service.  To find the Area Agency on Aging for any particular county, first contact the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging at 1-800-677-1116, or at www.eldercare.gov.