Long-Term Care Cost Projection

Assumptions on sliders · method reviewed September 7, 2026

Projects what a period of long-term care could cost by the time you need it, and what set aside today would cover it. About

In plain words. Care costs are quoted by the month, and they rise every year, faster than most prices. This tool takes today's monthly rate for the kind of care you would use, grows it to the year care might begin, adds up the years it might last, and shows the total. It also shows how much money, invested today, would grow to cover that total.

Why it matters. Whether you plan to insure, self-fund, or rely on a spouse and Medicaid, the projection is the first number every one of those plans needs, and today's rate understates it badly.

An example. A $10,000 monthly rate today, rising 5 percent a year, for care beginning in ten years and lasting three: about $16,300 a month at the start, about $616,000 in all. Set aside today at a 5 percent return, about $360,000 would cover it.

Where it stops. Every input is an assumption. The rate should be a real quote from a facility or agency you would use, the inflation is a guess, and the duration is unknowable in advance. It does not model insurance, Medicaid, or a spouse's needs, which have their own tools. Everything it leaves out.

Monthly cost of the care you would choose, at today's prices

Today's monthly price for the kind of care you would actually use. A nursing home, assisted living facility, or home care agency can quote it.

Yearly rise in the cost of care

Care prices have risen faster than general inflation for decades.

Years until care might begin

Years of care needed

Two to four years is common. Some needs run much longer.

Yearly return on money set aside now

Total cost of 3 years of care starting in 10 years

$616,211

Today's $10,000 a month would be about $16,289 a month by the time care begins, rising 5% a year. The first year of care would cost $195,467, and about $360,000 invested now at 5% would grow to cover the whole stay.

Monthly cost when care begins: $16,289; Up from $10,000 a month today
Amount to set aside today: $360,000; Invested at 5% until each year's bill comes due
Projections a couple needs: ×2; Each spouse may need care, so run it once for each

Care is mostly labor, and its price has risen faster than most prices for decades. The number that matters is the monthly cost in the year care begins, not the cost today. Whether you plan to cover it with insurance, a hybrid policy, your own savings, or Medicaid after spending down, this projection is the starting figure for each. The Illinois tools on this site take the Medicaid path from here.

This assumes a steady level of care for whole years, a cost that rises at the rate you set, and a set-aside that grows untaxed at the return you set. It leaves out insurance, Medicaid, partial years, and any change in the kind of care needed. Method reviewed September 7, 2026. Hypothetical; educational, not advice.

This is a simplified model, not your actual tax return or plan. It only knows what you type in, leaves out rules that may apply to you, and cannot weigh the other facts and trade-offs a real decision depends on. Before you act, talk with a professional who knows your whole situation.

Educational only, not investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are hypothetical estimates that vary with each use and over time and are not guaranteed accurate or complete. Using this tool creates no client relationship with Considerate Capital, and the site that linked here is not affiliated with it. By using it you agree to the tool terms.