There are a number of public programs that provide help paying for long-term care services. Each program has specific rules for what types of services it covers, how long one can receive services, eligibility for coverage, and, in some cases, cost sharing. For example, some programs, such as the Older Americans Act, focus on home- and community-based services, while the Medicare program only pays for some short-term nursing home stays or home health care. The following section provides information on some of the major public programs that may help pay for long-term care services.