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What Assisted Living Facilities Accept Medicaid?
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
Certified assisted living facilities accept Medicaid, but not all communities take this payment method. To do so, facilities must meet strict criteria set by state government agencies, and rules vary between states. Often, state licensing agencies conduct facility surveys for Medicaid and Medicare certification. A facility may have a limited number of Medicaid-certified beds available rather than holding certification for the whole capacity.
Finding Medicaid-certified assisted living facilities
Unfortunately, no national database of Medicaid-certified facilities is available to the public. This means that individuals should check details on facility websites or contact providers directly to inquire if they take Medicaid payments. Alternatively, local Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center staff may be able to assist.
Assisted living services covered by Medicaid
Other ways to pay for assisted living
If Medicaid isn’t a viable payment option or pays partial care costs, leaving a shortfall, seniors must find other ways to pay for outstanding care costs. Many individuals use private funds, such as their income or assets, to cover assisted living fees. Sometimes, family members extend financial help. Additionally, former members of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for VA benefits, homeowners can consider using a reverse mortgage and policyholders may be able to use insurance, such as long-term care or life insurance, to pay for assisted living.