Paying for Assisted Living

While you are looking at options for senior housing options for yourself or a loved one, cost is most likely a top factor.

The good news is even though you don’t have a plan, you can still receive suitable and affordable care. 

Assisted living is almost entirely private-pay. Costs vary by residence, apartment size, and services needed.

The "base rate" for assisted living may cover room, three meals a day, and basic services. The cost of care is sometimes priced separately. Pricing and services vary among residences so it is highly recommended to tour facilities to find the perfect one in your budget. Download a Paying for Assisted Living Fact Sheet.

If you have limited assets, a low income, and meet the state criteria for assisted living services, Medicaid funded assisted living may be an option. Not all communities participate in Medicaid. For those who qualify, the Veteran's Aid and Attendance benefit may be an option to pay for assisted living. It is accepted by most assisted living communities.

• Medicare: Medicare and other health insurance plans do not cover any cost of assisted living. It will pay for most of the medical costs incurred while the senior is in assisted living but will pay nothing towards residential care or the room and board cost of assisted living.

• Medicaid: Publicly-funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) are available for eligible individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities who need a certain level of care and meet the eligibility criteria. Not all assisted living communities accept Medicaid payments so it is important to contact each community to discuss payment options. To apply for long-term services and supports (LTSS), you must start by filling out the Department of Human Services Application for Assistance and the supplemental LTSS forms. You can apply online through HealthSource RI.
  
  Download a Medicaid for Assisted Living Factsheet. To learn more, visit MyOptionsRI or contact DHS for information.
  
  
• Supplemental Security Income: SSI federal benefits are available to those 65 and older, people with disabilities and the blind who have limited income and resources. Contact the nearest SSI Office for information and eligibility.

• Veteran’s Benefits: Veteran's Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to pay for residential care and is accepted by most assisted living communities. To learn more about using Veteran’s benefits to pay for assisted living, visit Rhode Island VA Benefits Administration.