Does Medicaid Pay For Assisted Living? - Ventana Winds Retirement

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

What Is Assisted Living?

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.

There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

How Much Will Assisted Living Cost?

The average for a private, one-bedroom apartment in these communities will run about $3100 per month or around $36,000 per year. These prices are around the cost of living in various areas.

The price will change based on the room sizes; for instance a shared apartment is going to be less expensive and a larger apartment or two-bedroom apartment is going to be much more expensive.

Will Medicaid Cover Assisted Living Expenses?

Currently, Medicaid does not cover room and board costs of assisted living. However, there are many states that offer Medicaid waivers programs to help offset some of the expenses.

These programs, called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers or 1915(c) Medicaid waivers, are designed to delay or ultimately prevent a move into a nursing home. These will help cover some long-term care services for seniors, people with dementia, and people with disabilities.

Today, nearly 1 in 5 assisted living residents utilize Medicaid HCBS waivers to pay for their daily needs. Based on the state and program, these waivers can include a variety of health and human services, including the following:

Home health care.
Meal deliveries.
Financial and legal services.
Adult day health programs.
Personal care.
Management of medications.
Transportation.
Housekeeping services.

State-By-State Variations In Medicaid Coverage

The individual states will administer Medicaid, meaning coverage can vary. It’s important to know what types of Medicaid waivers your state provides.

For Medicaid programs by state, check out Medicaid.gov.

How To Apply For Medicaid

When applying, you must be a resident of the state. You can either apply through the Health Insurance Marketplace or by simply contacting your state Medicaid agency.

Medicaid will accept applications regardless of the time of the year. While applying, you will be asked to provide the following documents:

Proof of residence.
Birth certificate.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence.
Proof of income and assets.
And more depending on the state’s requirements.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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