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Does Medicaid Pay for Room and Board in 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
Assisted living services covered by Medicaid or waivers
Federal funding for assisted living care, whether via traditional Medicaid or waivers, usually covers essential care services to help seniors stay in a community setting rather than needing to move to a nursing home. Such services typically include help with activities of daily living, such as ambulation and transferring, and personal care, including bathing and grooming. Financial support also covers instrumental activities of daily living, such as transportation, housework and laundry.
Medicaid or waivers pay for case management, counseling and medication management where facilities are licensed to provide such services. They also commonly pay for nursing oversight, although not all assisted living facilities offer this service. Additionally, aid pays for access to facility amenities, such as gardens, lounges and fitness centers, as well as engagement, enrichment and wellness programs.
How to pay for bed and board in assisted living
Seniors who receive Medicaid or waiver funding must pay costs associated with room and board out of pocket. Payment options include using income and savings, and sometimes seniors sell assets to help pay for care. Those who own a property may consider a reverse mortgage. Long-term care insurance may help relieve the financial burden, and family members sometimes help seniors pay for their long-term care.