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Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Washington?
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
Residents of Washington eligible for the state’s Medicaid program, also known as Washington Apple Health, have access to financial assistance for assisted living and other long-term care services.
The Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) Program is also a part of this plan. It assists eligible seniors in various settings, such as the individual’s home, an assisted living center, or a residential community.
What are the eligibility requirements for financial assistance for assisted living in Washington?
To be eligible for Washington’s state Medicaid plan, Apple Health, you must be at least 65 years old, a resident of Washington and either a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen. Your income must fall within the low to very low-income bracket to receive financial aid, with the total monthly income limit being $841 for individuals and $1,261 for couples. If only one spouse in a married couple is applying for Medicaid, the other spouse’s income is not included in the calculation. The non-applicant spouse is also entitled to a minimum monthly allowance, ranging from $2,057.50 to $3,160.50.
Even if someone’s income exceeds the limit, they may still be eligible for Medicaid if their medical expenses exceed their excess income. In Washington, through the “medically needy” program, elderly individuals, blind people and those with disabilities who are 65 or older can use their monthly medical bills to decrease their income and meet the requirements for Medicaid. There is also an asset limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, excluding certain items such as the primary residence of a value up to $603,000, personal belongings, household items and one vehicle.
Non-Medicaid assistance programs for Washington residents
Washington also offers two non-Medicaid programs for seniors who require assisted living.
The Volunteer Chore Services (VCS) program offers seniors services like companionship, household assistance, personal care and transportation to allow seniors to continue living comfortably in their own homes instead of moving to more costly nursing facilities. To be eligible for the VCS program, one must be a resident of Washington State, aged 60 or over with health limitations impacting their daily functions, or between the ages of 18 and 59 with limited ability to perform daily activities, whether temporary or permanent. Furthermore, the individual must reside at home to be eligible for the program. Also, an individual’s income is considered when offering these services.
The Washington Tailored Support for Older Adults (TSOA) program is designed for seniors at risk of needing Medicaid services for long-term care at a nursing facility. This program helps seniors live independently and supports them by offering adult day care, meal delivery, respite care and home modifications. To be eligible for this program, seniors must be over 55, require nursing home care or assistance with daily activities and earn below the income limit set at 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).