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Memory Care in Kansas
In Kansas, about 17% of the 2.9 million residents are aged 65 and over. The number of Alzheimer’s deaths among this population is on the rise, with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that in 2016, 1,028 people in the state died from this disease. In 2020, that number went up by 25%, with this condition becoming fatal for 1,288 people. During that time frame, the number of deaths across all causes went up by 24%.
While dementia care can become challenging as the condition progresses, seniors and families in Kansas can find expert care and treatment in the state’s memory care facilities. These communities have highly trained caregivers and licensed nurses who provide around-the-clock care and supervision. They also use specialized programming to help residents maintain as much motor function and cognitive ability as possible.
This guide provides comprehensive information on memory care in Kansas, including how much care costs throughout the state, common ways residents pay for care and resources that provide support and information.
The Cost of Memory Care in Kansas
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of memory care in Kansas and its 10 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Kansas's Top Cities
Kansas's top cities remain inconsistent in long-term care costs, with many rates falling substantially lower or higher than the state's average of $5,587 per month. In Overland Park, that rate rises to $5,939. Costs skyrocket in Wichita where monthly rates average $6,709. The most affordable options are Kansas City where memory care drops to $4,832 and Topeka where memory care averages $4,798 a month.
Kansas
$5,587
Wichita
$6,709
Topeka
$4798
Kansas City
$4,832
Overland Park
$5,939
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Kansas
While inflation has raised memory care costs across the U.S. by an average of 10.4%, the effect has been minimal in Kansas. Thankfully for seniors in the Sunflower State, memory care costs have gone up just 2% from 2022 to 2023.
In neighboring states, the cost landscape for memory care is varied. Missouri saw a similar impact as Kansas, with costs increasing just 2.4% in the past year. In nearby Nebraska, however, rates have risen 7.2%. Colorado has seen a striking 11.9% increase, while Oklahoma residents have experienced the biggest price hikes with an 18.6% increase in memory care rates.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $5,480 | $5,587 | $5,721 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Nebraska | $5,594 | $5,997 | $6,914 |
| Colorado | $5,326 | $5,958 | $6,382 |
| Oklahoma | $3,515 | $4,168 | $4,553 |
| Missouri | $5,372 | $5,502 | $5,859 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
For older adults in Kansas, independent living is the most budget-friendly option for long-term care. It costs an average of $2,586 per month but includes minimal support. Assisted living involves a higher level of care, including help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and daily activities. In Kansas, assisted living averages $4,834 monthly. Memory care is the highest level of care and has the highest cost, averaging about $5,587 each month.
Assisted Living
$4,834
Memory Care
$5,587
Independent Living
$2,586
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Kansas?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Kansas.
Income-qualifying seniors in Kansas may pay for memory care through the state’s Medicaid program, officially called KanCare. While KanCare doesn’t pay for residential care under its regular coverage, it features the Frail Elderly Waiver, which expands its benefits to include some personal care services.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Kansas
Kansas Medicaid’s Frail Elderly Waiver covers supportive services to help older adults maintain as much independence as possible. The services someone receives under this program depend on their own needs. To determine the level of coverage, a case manager conducts a thorough assessment with the help of the individual applying for coverage and/or their responsible persons.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Kansas
Frail Elderly Waiver
The Frail Elderly Waiver is a Home and Community Based Service Waiver that helps those who require nursing home level care to remain in the community. While it doesn’t pay for housing or meals, it covers a range of other services that memory care facilities may provide, which may reduce overall monthly care expenses. These services include:
- Adult day care
- Assistive technology
- Personal care services
- Supportive services
- Medication reminders
- Enhanced care services, including assistance with toileting, mobility assistance and liquid intake
- Telehealth
- Financial management services
- Nursing evaluation visits
- Dental services
- Personal emergency response systems
- Wellness monitoring
To qualify for this waiver program, applicants must meet Medicaid’s age and residency criteria, and they must be assessed by a qualified case manager to need the services this waiver provides. Seniors are free to choose their own providers, but they must obtain services from memory care facilities that are licensed to accept payment from Medicaid. There are no income limits for Medicaid waivers in Kansas, but depending on the applicant’s countable income, they may be required to pay some of their own money towards their care.
To learn more about this waiver or to begin the application process, seniors or their representatives should call the program manager at (785) 296-4983.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Kansas
Kansas Medicaid has strict income and asset guidelines applicants must comply with to be eligible for coverage. There is no set household income limit for single and married applicants. Single applicants may have up to $2,000 in countable assets and married applicants may have up to $3,000. While these income limits are low, those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which has an income limit of $10,092 for single applicants and $15,132 for married applicants, are automatically eligible. Those whose income and assets exceed these limits but who are still unable to afford care may qualify through Medicaid planning.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | No Income Limit | $3,000 |
* Income in excess of $2,742/mo. must go toward care costs. There are exceptions for private health insurance and potentially a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
Seniors must meet additional eligibility criteria to qualify for Medicaid. These include:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 65 years old
- Citizenship: Applicants must be legal U.S. citizens or residents
- Residency: Applicants must be permanent Kansas residents
- Need: Applicants must need primary or secondary health insurance coverage
How to Apply for Medicaid in Kansas
Seniors or their responsible persons can apply for Medicaid online by visiting the KanCare Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal. To obtain a paper application, individuals can contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at (800) 792-4884. Once they fill out the application, they can mail it to KanCare Clearinghouse at P.O. Box 3599, Topeka, KS 66601 or faxed it to (844) 264-6285.
Information You Will Need
To ensure a speedy application and approval process, seniors should have several pieces of information on hand. This includes:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of address
- Social Security card
- Proof of income and assets
- Policy numbers for existing health insurance, including Medicare
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
There are several resources to help older adults navigate the system and obtain the health insurance coverage that’s best for their needs. Through the following helplines and programs, seniors in Kansas get personalized assistance with applying for Medicaid, disputing denied claims and understanding their benefits.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| American Council on Aging | Contact Form | The American Council on Aging highlights key information on Kansas’s Medicaid program, including income and asset limits, waiver options and details on how to apply for coverage. It also outlines the state programs that can help older adults qualify for coverage if they exceed financial limits. |
| KanCare Ombudsman | (855) 643-8180 | The KanCare Ombudsman answers questions regarding Medicaid and helps callers review and understand documents they receive from Medicaid. The ombudsman can also help resolve issues regarding their coverage and assist seniors with filing complaints, appeals or fair hearings. |
| Office of Administrative Hearings | (800) 792-4884 | The Office of Administrative Hearings processes eligibility state fair hearings, which seniors can file if they believe they were wrongfully denied Medicaid coverage. By requesting an eligibility state fair hearing, seniors can take their case before a judge and testify on their own behalf or through a lawyer regarding their eligibility for Medicaid. |
| Office of the Medicaid Inspector General | (785) 296-8637 | The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General fields and investigates reports regarding Medicaid fraud, waste or abuse. If Medicaid beneficiaries or their representatives are concerned about billing errors, charges for services not rendered or excessive services in memory care facilities, they can file a complaint with this agency. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Kansas?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Kansas. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will 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 Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Kansas.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Kansas
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 Memory Care affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Kansas
There are many resources in Kansas 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
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities | 785-267-1336 | The Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities is a statewide network of 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers. These federally mandated centers are designed to ensure seniors aged 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, have access to information on state and federal benefits that can be used toward assisted living costs. Staff at each regional center can also help seniors locate local community-based services, such as home meal delivery programs, accessible transportation services and case management. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Frail Elderly Waiver | 855-200-2372 | The Frail Elderly Waiver is a KanCare waiver administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This waiver provides alternatives to nursing home care, giving seniors critical options. The Frail Elderly Waiver is available to older Kansans who have been determined to require a nursing home level of care but who wish to remain in their own homes, in family homes or in assisted living centers that do not provide skilled nursing care. One of the program's biggest benefits is that recipients have a large degree of self-direction over how the funds are spent. Once a senior is approved for the program, they can choose the level of care they need and how much they want to spend on it. Because Kansas allows individuals to provide personal or attendant care without possessing specific education or experience, seniors can even use the Frail Elderly Waiver funds to hire family or friends to fill such roles. |
Food Assistance Programs
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 Kansas seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program | 888-369-4777 | Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program is a state-sponsored initiative that aims to supply low-income seniors with the means of accessing a healthy, balanced diet. Eligible seniors and their household members must demonstrate financial duress in the form of a household bank balance not exceeding $3,500 ($2,250 for singles). Applications are submitted online, and successful recipients receive a benefits card that can be used at local grocery stores to purchase produce and nonperishable food items. |
| Kansas Food Bank | 316-265-3663 | Kansas Food Bank oversees food pantries in all Kansas counties to support food-insecure seniors. Each food pantry sets eligibility guidelines based on age and income level. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which operates in 28 counties, offers balance diet boxes containing well-balanced, nutritional food items for seniors. Additionally, seniors in 26 counties can apply for the Bob Box, named after Senator Bob Dole, through the Kansas Food Bank. These boxes provide seniors with food staples that help them prepare meals. |
| Kansas Meals on Wheels | Kansas Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals for seniors throughout the state. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and be homebound, isolated or unable to receive a meal in a group setting. Homebound seniors' meals are free, but a donation is requested If the senior can afford one. Delivered meals are $4 for non-homebound seniors. Volunteers drop off hot, nutritious meals daily. Additionally, Kansas seniors can visit a local dining center for a meal. | |
| Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 888-369-4777 | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
| Meneilly Center | 913-671-2315 | Staffed by over 150 volunteers, the Kansas Village Church Food Pantry provides free food, clothing, personal care items and cleaning products for seniors and others in need. There's no residency requirement for assistance, although program participants must make an appointment in advance. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Kansas collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program | 620-421-8367 | The Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program provides high-quality and gently used durable medical equipment to seniors who have medical and financial needs. Inventory list typically features items such as manual and electric wheelchairs, patient lifts, hospital beds, shower chairs, specialty commodes, walkers and more. |
| Medical Equipment Recycling Network | 316-942-6300 | The Medical Equipment Recycling Network provides durable medical equipment to seniors. Program staff then inspects the equipment, ensures it is clean and in top working order, and makes it available to qualifying individuals. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Kansas seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas FamilyWize | 785-827-1312 | United Way Salina works with FamilyWize to provide drug discount cards that offer low-income individuals discounts of up to 75% on their medications. These cards are available to anyone who is on a low income and needs assistance covering the costs of prescription medications. Seniors can use the card to receive discounts on the price of FDA-approved medications that aren't covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other plans. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Kansas have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides up to $10,000 in grants or $40,000 in low-interest home repair loans to low-income seniors in rural parts of Kansas. This money can be used to perform home repairs that eliminate health and safety hazards. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Kansas seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Senior Citizen Law Project | 888-353-5337 | Available to all older residents of Kansas, the Senior Citizen Law Project provides free legal advice on a range of pertinent issues. Areas of law include elder neglect and abuse, public benefits and health insurance, medical rights, long-term care and consumer affairs. The organization also assists seniors with life and estate planning matters, such as wills. Seniors aged 60 and older can contact a legal advisor via the statewide Elder Law Hotline. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Health Care Association (KHCA) | 785-267-6003 | Kansas Health Care Association operates the Kansas Center for Assisted Living. Over 260 nonprofit and for-profit assisted living communities are represented by this organization. KHCA deals with many aspects of long-term senior care, including licensure and advocating for better health care. This association sits on SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka and can be reached by phone to inquire about services at (785) 267-6003 or email at khca@khca.org. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors Program | 785-368-8222 | The Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors program provides a property tax refund of 75 percent of the total taxes paid or to be paid during a given year, effectively shrinking the property tax liability of qualifying seniors to one-fourth of their home's actual tax assessment. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
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. Kansas retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-432-0043 | The Low Income Energy Assistance Program assists low-income Kansans, including seniors, who are facing difficulty paying their energy bills. The program also offers emergency assistance to homeowners who are facing impending electricity shutoff. |
Veteran's Services
Kansas 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas VA Benefits and Health Care | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Kansas
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is responsible for licensing and regulating adult care homes in the state, which include assisted living, memory care, nursing and other residential health care facilities. An overview of relevant points is provided below.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Resident Admission Requirements | Upon admission to an adult care home and at least annually thereafter, residents must receive a functional assessment that covers cognitive and physical abilities and health requirements. These annual assessments must inform the creation and updating of a plan of care tailored to the individual. |
| Plan of Care | Each resident must be covered by a plan of care that is available in writing to the resident and family members. It should include details on the services required and expected costs for each as well as the facility's list of resident rights and health care policies. |
| Staffing Requirements | Direct care workers must receive orientation and ongoing training that cover the principles of assisted living, emergency protocol, resident rights, reporting responsibilities and the appropriate care for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. They must also pass a criminal background check and, if applicable, a search of the Kansas nurse aide registry. No specific ratio of staff to residents is mandated, but the staffing levels must be appropriate to the situation. |
| Medication Requirements | By default, most residents of adult care homes in Kansas can maintain possession of medication and self-administer unless otherwise forbidden. Residents with Alzheimer's generally aren't permitted to self-administer for safety reasons and require administration by a licensed nurse or certified medication aide. |
| Medicaid Subsidy | Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) and its Frail Elderly waiver may subsidize memory care in an assisted living facility, but it won't cover room and food costs. |
| Reporting of Abuse and Neglect | Complaints related to any long-term care facility in Kansas can be submitted over the phone at 877-662-8362, by email or via the online complaint form of the Kansas long-term care ombudsman program. |
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