Assisted Living Alaska

As costs rise across America, the price increase has also affected assisted living. From 2022 to 2023, the average monthly cost of assisting living rose by a modest 9.6% nationwide. Inflation had a lower impact in Alaska, where rates have only risen 3.6%.

Throughout the country, inflation has affected each state differently. Seniors in Hawaii noticed a drastic increase of 32%. In Oregon, prices rose 19.2%, while the increase was 14.1% in Washington. California's costs have risen a modest 6.9%. While 2024's figures are only projected, they're expected to continue rising. Alaska's projected rates are 6.5% higher next year.

Alaskans Living Independently Medicaid Waiver

The Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) waiver is available to people aged 65 and older, and those aged 21-64 who have a physical disability. Applicants must be in need of a nursing home level of care and meet the financial eligibility criteria of the program. It provides care to people living at home and those in residential supportive living, which includes assisted living. As the program is designed to delay entry to a nursing home, it’s not available to those already living in these facilities. 

Waiver beneficiaries work with a care coordinator to identify the services they need and ensure that they receive them. Services available through the program include personal care, meals, home modifications and specialized medical equipment. Assisted living residence is listed as an available benefit, and care in a facility would include many of the other services mentioned. The exact care each person receives depends on their needs and living situation. The ALI doesn’t cover room and board. 

People can apply for the program through a local Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Senior and Disability Services office. There are limited places available on the waiver, so applicants may be put on a waitlist. However, you may be eligible for other programs while waiting for a spot to open up. 

As Medicaid is designed to assist low-income residents, an individual’s finances are the primary determining factor of eligibility. Applicants must meet both income and asset limits. The exact limits can differ depending on your circumstances and the program you’re applying for. 

To be eligible for the ALI, single Alaskans must have an income below $2,742 per month and assets of less than $2,000. For two-person households when both people are applying, the income limit is $5,484 and the asset limit is $3,000. 

When only one spouse of a married couple is applying, the financial criteria are the same as for single applicants. However, the non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance. This allows part of the applicant’s income to be transferred to ensure their spouse can pay for expenses. The non-applicant can also have up to $148,620 of assets. 

Although Medicaid counts all income when calculating eligibility, certain assets are exempt. This includes personal belongings, an automobile and a burial plot. A person’s home is exempt if they intend to return to it or if their spouse still resides there.

Alaska has assistance available to help people apply for Medicaid. These government resources can connect you with people who can answer questions, provide assistance filling out forms and give you an idea of whether you’re eligible. 

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Alaska. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Alaska.

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.

There are many resources in Alaska that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Cash assistance programs in Alaska provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Alaska seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Alaska seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Alaska collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Alaska have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Senior centers in Alaska bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Social Security offices in Alaska help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Alaska resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Alaska retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Alaska retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Alaska’s assisted living facilities follow the regulations set forth by the Division of Health Care Services. These regulations establish standards intended to protect residents while promoting an environment that encourages growth and independence.