Memory Care in Utah

Despite rising costs across the country, inflation hasn't negatively impacted Utah's memory care costs. They actually dropped 3.7% from 2022 to 2023, falling from $4,595 to $4,425. This is the opposite of the national trend, as U.S. care costs have risen 10.4% on average.

This trend continues in the states surrounding Utah where inflation has led to rising costs. It is most evident in Wyoming, which saw costs rise 27.8% from 2022 to 2023. In Arizona, costs rose 15% while falling 11.9% in Colorado. Inflation is least noticeable in Nevada where memory care costs rose just 4.4%.

New Choices Waiver 

The New Choices Waiver pays for memory care services for those who qualify for nursing home level care but want to live in a non-institutional setting. It offers comprehensive coverage for long-term care services, including: 

• Assisted living and memory care services
• Adult day health care  
• Emergency response systems
• Financial management services
• Medication assistance services  
• Attendant care
• Case management
• Housekeeping, laundry and linen services
• Nonemergency medical transportation
• Personal money management
• Respite services
• Specialized medical equipment 

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet age, financial and residency guidelines, and not all who qualify for services are guaranteed coverage. Applicants must be at least 65 years old, U.S. citizens or legal residents and permanent residents of Utah. They may have a monthly income of no more than $2,523 and no more than $2,000 in countable assets. Medicaid only counts assets, such as cash, money in checking and savings accounts, non-occupied real estate investment properties and stocks. It excludes personal belongings, the applicant’s primary residence and one personal vehicle. If spouses are both applying, these limits are doubled. If only one spouse is applying, they have an asset limit of $2,000, and the non-applying spouse can have up to $137,400.  

The majority of slots are open exclusively to nursing home residents who want to move to a non-institutionalized setting. Non-reserved slots are limited and open to current assisted living and memory care residents. Applicants must have lived in a nursing home for at least 90 days or in a residential long-term care facility, such as a memory care facility, for 365 days before applying for the waiver. Nursing home residents can apply for the waiver at any time, but those already in residential long-term care can only apply during certain enrollment windows. The department must have the application within five days of the end of the enrollment period, or it will be automatically denied. Enrollment periods include: 

• March 1-March 14
• July 1-July 14
• November 1-November 14

Historically, there are far more applicants than enrollment slots, so priority is given to those who’ve been in nursing home or residential care the longest. In most cases, memory care residents wait much longer than 365 days for enrollment.  

Seniors can’t apply for this waiver program online, but they can request a paper application by calling (800) 662-9651 and selecting option 6. Seniors in nursing homes can request an application for reserved slots, and those in memory care facilities can request an application for non-reserved slots. After the application is completed, the individual can fax it to the UDOH Bureau of Long Term Services and Supports at (801) 323-1586 or mail it to:   

UDOH Bureau of Long Term Services & Supports  
P.O. Box 143112  
288 North 1460 West  
Salt Lake City, UT 84114 

Individuals must be able to demonstrate financial need to qualify for Medicaid. Single applicants can have a monthly income of up to $1,215 for the Aging Waiver and $2,742 for the New Choices Waiver program. Medicaid counts all forms of income, including government and private pensions, veterans’ and survivors’ benefits, Social Security benefits, money made off investments and withdrawals from retirement accounts. Seniors may also have up to $2,000 in countable assets, including stocks, bonds, bank accounts, cash and non-occupied real estate.  

Married applicants where just one spouse is applying can have up to $1,133 in monthly for the Aging Waiver and $2,742 for the New Choices Waiver. When both spouses apply, income is limited for each applicant to $1,215 for the Aging Waiver and $2,742 for the New Choices waiver. 

For both programs, there is a limit of $2,000 per applicant in countable assets. If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, spousal impoverishment rules let them transfer income and assets to their spouse under certain circumstances. The non-applicant spouse can have countable assets of $148,620. Those whose income and assets exceed these guidelines may still qualify through spend-down programs or Medicaid planning. 

There are several resources available to Utah residents to help them navigate the Medicaid application process, including determining eligibility, submitting supporting documents and appealing denied coverage. The following table lists important websites and phone numbers for prospective and current beneficiaries.  

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Utah. 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 Utah.

There are many resources in Utah 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.

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.

Cash assistance programs in Utah 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, Utah 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 Utah seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Utah resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Utah 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 Utah have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Utah 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.

Senior centers in Utah 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.

Senior engagement resources and programs in Utah help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Social Security offices in Utah 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 Utah 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. Utah retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Utah 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.

In Utah, memory care services are provided in Level II assisted living facilities, or ALFs. These facilities are inspected, licensed and regulated by the Utah Department of Health, Facility Licensing and Certification and Resident Assessment Bureau. Licenses must be renewed each year, and each facility is thoroughly inspected by the state every 18 months or less.