In-Home Care in Minnesota

he most recent census reveals that Minnesota’s older population has grown significantly from the 12.9% recorded in the 2010 census to 16.3%. This statistic strongly suggests seniors are moving there in greater numbers. The reason may be Minnesota’s reputation as one of the healthiest states in the country, or the numerous high-quality medical facilities, including the internationally renowned Mayo Clinic.

Senior Minnesotans have numerous home care options to ease the day-to-day of older living. Home health care offers basic support delivered by medical professionals, allowing at-risk seniors to avoid institutional facilities. In-home care focuses on non-medical services, such as light housekeeping, shopping and personal care, including assistance with bathing and dressing. The average costs for each service reflect the providers’ skills, with in-home care typically charging $6,673 per month and home health care setting rates at $6,912 per month.

This guide considers average costs for home care and other types of care in Minnesota and the roles Medicaid and Medicare play. It also lists some potentially helpful senior-friendly resources.

In-home care’s national median is $4,957 per month, although this figure hides the wide fee variations often influenced by location. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey found Minnesota’s in-home care prices the costliest in the Midwest at $6,673 per month — a monthly increase of $1,716 compared to the national median. Although also above-average, South Dakota’s median fee is a more affordable $5,911, although not as much as North Dakota’s $5,689. Seniors in Iowa and Wisconsin typically pay $5,529 for in-home care, while their peers in Illinois pay $5,339 for similar services.

In-home care costs vary greatly in Minnesota, from Mankato’s $5,720 per month average to Rochester’s $7,627 monthly fee. In Duluth, it’s not unusual to find in-home care agencies charging about $5,815 per month for their services, while in St. Cloud, the norm is $6,038 per month. Although more affordable than Rochester, agency fees in Minneapolis are still above the state average, at $7,055 per month.

Although location influences care provider fees, the service level is also a factor in Minnesota. Consider nursing home fees, which average $11,601 per month. These facilities are expensive because care comes from qualified professionals operating at almost the same levels as hospitals. Compare this to an assisted living facility at $4,508 per month, also providing care and accommodation, but with fewer health care professionals and less medical equipment. In-home care and home health care agencies offer similar services as assisted living facilities, but in the senior’s home, so their fees reflect this, at $6,673 and $6,912, respectively. Adult day health care centers offer the most affordable monthly option at $2,167.

Medicaid, known in Minnesota as Medical Assistance, can pay for medical and non-medical home care services, although strictly enforced criteria determine who is eligible and the services they can apply for. There are four programs designed to help frail seniors avoid institutional care. The Elderly Waiver is a multi-option program that includes home and residential care services; Personal Care Assistance provides non-medical services; Home Care Services focuses on medical care and Minnesota Senior Health Options blends Medicaid and Medicare to provide a full range of services.

Regardless of the senior’s contact method, every Minnesota Medical Assistance applicant must complete a paper application form.

• By mail: Download and return a completed copy of the application form with supporting documents to your nearest county or tribal office
• By phone: Call (800) 657-3739 and request a form by mail
• In-Person: Make an appointment with your local county or tribal office

What Information You Will Need

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• All health insurance policy numbers
• Proof of income/assets, such as bank account statements, copies of bonds, real property tax statements, etc.
• Proof of items sold, traded or gifted in the previous 60 months

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.