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Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
If you’re eligible for the program, Medicaid may pay for assisted living. This program provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families of all ages. While federal Medicaid doesn’t cover assisted living, many states do offer some level of coverage for long-term care.
If your state has a Medicaid long-term-care program, you can typically receive coverage for help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and managing your medications. Every state has its own rules for long-term care coverage, so review the regulations in your area.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living room and board?
Medicaid doesn’t include room and board expenses even if you qualify for assisted living coverage. If you can’t pay for room and board with private funds, look into state-specific assistance programs, long-term care insurance and veterans’ benefits for housing assistance.
How do you apply for assisted living through Medicaid?
You must meet program requirements to access assisted living coverage with Medicaid. States generally review medical necessity along with income and assets to decide if you qualify. Some states have a household income or asset limit for long-term care coverage. To apply for Medicaid coverage for assisted living, start by visiting your state’s Medicaid office in person or online. You’ll need to provide detailed financial information, document your medical need for this level of care and submit other relevant details.