What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in Kentucky?

An income of less than $30,000 per year is considered low income for seniors in Kentucky. This figure is based on data from the National Council on Aging. In Kentucky, the median income of adults aged 60 and older is $36,161 based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, meaning the average Kentucky senior is slightly above the low to moderate income line.

On average, long-term care options for seniors in Kentucky are less expensive than the average national costs, according to statistics from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021. In Kentucky, home health care services cost $4,767 per month, assisted living costs an average of $3,448 per month, and nursing home facility costs start at $7,178.

However, despite being relatively cheaper than national averages, Kentucky’s annual costs of $57,204 for home health care, $41,376 for assisted living, and $86,136 for nursing home facilities are still significantly higher than the median annual income of $36,161 for Kentucky seniors. As a result, many senior residents of Kentucky may struggle to pay for the care they need without financial assistance.

With long-term care costs outpacing the average income Kentucky seniors earn, these crucial services can quickly become a cause for concern for seniors earning $30,000 or less annually. To help address this need, both federal and state governments provide several programs and services to assist seniors with paying for long-term care. Medicaid is one of the largest and most accessible federal health care programs for low-income seniors, along with Medicare. Individuals who meet the financial and medical eligibility requirements can have their home health care costs completely covered.

As another way to supplement long-term care payments, Medicaid beneficiaries who don’t have all their necessary care services can access subsidized health care plans through the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, many senior military veterans with a VA pension are likely eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which was created to help pay for long-term care. To qualify, beneficiaries must meet various eligibility terms, including requiring assistance with one or more activities for daily living.