Memory Care in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, inflation is impacting memory care costs at a modest rate. Prices rose 8.2% from 2022 to 2023, while the U.S. average increased by 10.4% rise during the same period.

In neighboring states, inflation has had varying effects. While the price increase in Illinois is on par with Wisconsin's at 8.7%, Minnesota's memory care rates have risen just 3.3%. Iowa's care costs rose just 10%, which is nearly identical to the U.S. average. Michigan's seniors experienced the most striking rise in prices, with memory care costs increasing by 21%

There are two waiver programs in Wisconsin that may offer services in an assisted living facility. The Family Care Partnership Program differs from PACE in that seniors can be 55 and older, but to qualify for either program, recipients must need a nursing level of care. PACE is also limited to four Wisconsin counties, whereas FCPP is available statewide.

Family Care Partnership Program

For frail elderly who require a nursing level of care, the Family Care Partnership Program may provide health care services in an assisted living setting, where memory care is often provided. In addition to being Medicaid-eligible, recipients must have a long-term care functional screen administered by a social worker or other qualified health professional through the local Aging and Disability Resource Center.   

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Available to seniors 55 and older living in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha or Waukesha counties who need skilled nursing services, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly offers services through Medicare within the home or community. Those enrolled in the PACE program work with a team of health professionals who create a personalized care plan that evolves as needs change. Although some of PACE’s benefits are offered through Medicaid, the program is a combination of services from Medicare, Medicaid and home and community-based long-term care. More details about eligibility are available through the local ADRC.

Qualifying for Medicaid depends on meeting specific income and asset limitations as well as age, citizenship and disability status. The non-financial qualifications for seniors state that they must be: 

• A full-time Wisconsin resident 
• U.S. citizenship, permanent resident or legal alien
• Either 65 or older, blind or disabled 

On the financial side, applicants who are single must earn no more than $32,904 per year and own no more than $2,000 in assets. In two-person households where only one person is applying, the numbers are the same, but the non-applicant can retain $148,620 in assets. In households where both spouses are applying, the limits are doubled: The income threshold increases to $65,808, and assets increase to $4,000.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Wisconsin

Several resources help families apply for Medicaid. Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers can provide more insight into what criteria must be met for eligibility, and they can screen applicants to confirm financial and physical eligibility for the Long-Term Care Programs. Application assistance is also available by calling ACCESS, the online application portal.    

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

There are many resources in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.

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 Wisconsin seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Wisconsin 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.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Wisconsin 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 engagement resources and programs in Wisconsin 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.

Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Wisconsin resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.

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

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, memory care facilities are categorized as community-based residential facilities. CRBFs are governed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Bureau of Assisted Living. To ensure high-quality care, the department requires memory support facilities to adhere to strict rules and guidelines. It enforces these rules through inspections that are conducted at random and in response to complaints.