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Does AARP Insurance Provide Coverage for Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Lauren is an experienced copywriter with a passion for crafting impactful narratives in the senior care industry. Her work covers essential topics such as assisted living and dementia care, providing valuable insights to readers. Collaborating with leading senior care provider websites such as Caring.com, PayingforSeniorCare.com, and AssistedLiving.org has deepened her appreciation for senior living and elder healthcare. Lauren’s goal is to empower seniors and their families with the knowledge needed for informed long-term care decisions.
Reviewed by:
Gene Altaffer has a Masters in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and has worked in many avenues along the continuum of long-term care, assisting thousands of clients and their families since 1995. He also sold long-term care insurance from numerous carriers while also assisting families with retirement planning. Gene helps seniors navigate their Medicare plans, ensuring they understand their benefits and options.
AARP insurance provides coverage for assisted living through its long-term care insurance plan. This policy offers access to funding for expenses such as room, board and extended personal care services, which Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Understanding the nuances of long-term care insurance helps seniors budget effectively for their future.
Understanding assisted living costs
Costs in an assisted living community include accommodation, meals and personal care services. Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) do not cover most of these expenses because they are not classified as medical care. As a result, seniors and their families often explore other options to bridge the gap. Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey estimates that assisted living rates are $4,500 per month, so advance planning is crucial.
What insurance products does AARP offer?
AARP offers several insurance policy options to meet seniors’ needs as they age, from basic to more comprehensive plans. As basic health care insurance plans rarely cover expenses associated with assisted living, it’s important to carefully review the details of your AARP insurance plan. Depending on your policy, you might need to invest in additional coverage options.
In addition to Original Medicare, AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans that include routine vision, hearing and dental expenses. They also cover fitness, prescription drugs and basic health care costs. Those who wish to enter assisted living should opt for AARP’s long-term care insurance, which covers services such as bathing, eating and transferring. Use AARP’s Long-Term Care Cost Calculator to determine how much assisted living costs in your area.
Exploring alternative financial options
Beyond long-term care insurance, individuals may consider personal savings, VA benefits or government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, to help manage assisted living expenses.
For more information about long-term care insurance, contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ARDC) where trained professionals provide advice about how to access financial support for senior care.