Market scope note: This article draws on sources from both Korea and the United States. Each piece of information is labeled 🇰🇷 Korea or 🇺🇸 U.S. in the text to indicate which country it applies to.
When the moment arrives that a parent can no longer manage daily life on their own, families naturally begin considering a move to a care facility. Yet when they actually start looking into it, many find themselves unsure even of where to begin. Entering a care facility is not simply a matter of choosing a place — it is a process that requires a thorough understanding of eligibility assessments, cost structures, and available government support. This article examines the systems in both Korea and the United States.
🇰🇷 Korea To be admitted to a care facility in Korea, you must first receive a grade determination under the 노인장기요양보험 (National Long-Term Care Insurance). Eligible applicants are those aged 65 or older, or those under 65 who have had difficulty with daily activities for six months or more due to age-related conditions such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease, or Parkinson's disease. There are no income or asset requirements — anyone enrolled in 건강보험 (National Health Insurance) may apply. Applications can be submitted in person at a branch of the 국민건강보험공단 (National Health Insurance Service), online at the agency's website (longtermcare.or.kr), or by mail or fax. If the applicant has difficulty getting around, a family member may apply on their behalf.
🇰🇷 Korea From the time of application to the final determination takes approximately 30 days. A 공단 (National Health Insurance Service) staff member visits the home directly to assess the applicant's level of daily functioning, and based on those results the applicant is placed into one of five grades or a cognitive support grade. In principle, only those in grades 1 and 2 are eligible for admission to a 요양원 (nursing home; facility benefit), while those in grades 3 through 5 are directed first toward home-based benefits such as 방문요양 (visiting care) and 주야간보호 (day and night care). In 2026, the home-care spending limit for grade 1 and 2 beneficiaries has been raised by more than 200,000 won per month compared to before, and the number of visiting care sessions has also increased, creating broader conditions for people to live at home longer without rushing into facility admission.
🇰🇷 Korea Facility costs are set according to a daily rate by grade. Based on 2026 figures, the out-of-pocket daily amount is approximately 16,800 won for grade 1 and approximately 14,400 won for grades 3 through 5 (roughly 20% of the total rate). Recipients of 기초생활수급 (National Basic Livelihood Security) pay nothing out of pocket, while those in the 차상위 (near-poverty) tier or covered by 의료급여 (Medical Aid) pay only 8 to 12%. In addition, starting in 2026, the out-of-pocket rate for nursing-hospital attendant care costs for severely ill patients has been sharply reduced from the previous 100% to approximately 30%, which is expected to significantly ease the practical burden on families.
🇺🇸 U.S. In the United States, the cost of a Nursing Home is considerable. Based on 2026 figures, the national median cost for a private room is approximately $11,294 per month (approximately $135,528 per year), while a semi-private room runs approximately $9,842 per month. Costs vary widely depending on region and facility quality. Medicaid, which many families rely on, is the largest source of funding for long-term care costs in the United States and covers approximately two-thirds of all nursing home residents. However, the eligibility requirements are strict.
🇺🇸 U.S. As of 2026, in most states the income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid is $2,982 per month for an individual. Asset limits are also stringent, and a five-year look-back period applies, meaning the transfer of assets during the five years prior to application is reviewed. However, under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, a non-applying spouse may retain assets of up to $162,660. It is essential to remember that Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term nursing home stays — it applies only to short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization (up to 100 days).
In both countries, one important common principle applies: do not make a rushed decision after a health crisis has already occurred. 🇰🇷 Korea If a grade application is submitted after a sudden decline in health, a care gap of approximately one month can result. 🇺🇸 U.S. Preparing for Medicaid likewise requires considerable time for reviewing asset structures and gathering documentation. When parents are still relatively healthy, the greatest help you can give your future self is for the family to gather this information together in advance.
Sources: 국민건강보험공단 (National Health Insurance Service) Long-Term Care Insurance program guide; 보건복지부 (Ministry of Health and Welfare) 2026 Long-Term Care Rate Announcement; angelsitter.co.kr 2026 nursing home fees by grade; medicaidlongtermcare.org 2026 Medicaid Long Term Care Eligibility; seniorliving.org 2026 Nursing Home Costs; U.S. News & World Report (CareScout data) 2026 Nursing Home Costs.
Note: This article was compiled by AI from the sources cited above. We strive for accuracy, but for decisions about your specific situation, please confirm the latest guidance from a professional or the relevant agency.