If your parent decides they want to move to assisted living, or if they need to move there to maintain their quality of life, figuring out how to afford it can be a challenge. With monthly care costs in the thousands, seniors may quickly exhaust their private funds paying for assisted living. Families can benefit immensely from exploring multiple payment options — such as Medicaid, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s housing programs — well before the move to a community happens.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is government-run health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations, such as low-income adults, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities in the United States.

In 2022 alone, almost one in four Americans were covered by Medicaid.^[01]

While many people may assume that Medicaid is a federal program, state governments actually administer it according to requirements set by the federal government. Because Medicaid is a joint state and federal program, both state and federal funds provide support for it. States may fund Medicaid at different levels.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?

No, Medicaid doesn’t pay for room and board associated with assisted living.^[02]

However, Medicaid may cover associated services, such as personal care services, on-site therapy services, and medication management, through Medicaid waiver programs and state Medicaid plans.^[02]

What are Medicaid waivers for assisted living?

Medicaid waivers act as a way for states to test out different methods of delivering care. These are authorized by Section 1915 of the Social Security Act.^[03]

One common type of Medicaid waiver is the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. This type of waiver allows states to offer support for people who prefer to receive services in their home or community instead of in a nursing home or other institutional setting. Almost all states and the District of Columbia offer Medicaid services through this type of waiver.^[03]

States may also offer waivers to support people with disabilities through Aged, Blind, and Disabled waivers. These programs may assist people age 65 and older along with people under 65 who are blind or who have a disability.

Eligible people may be able to receive support for assisted living services through HCBS waivers and other Medicaid waivers.

How much does Medicaid pay for assisted living services?

The amount that Medicaid pays for assisted living services typically depends on the following factors:

An individual’s unique needs
The plan, program, or waiver they are participating in
Other factors, such as copays or length of Medicaid use

hich assisted living facilities accept Medicaid?

There isn’t a single, comprehensive list of all the assisted living communities that accept Medicaid in the United States.

To find out if a specific community participates in Medicaid state plans, waivers, or programs, ask them directly as you’re helping your loved one research. Keep in mind that assisted living communities aren’t required to accept Medicaid.

It’s also important to know if the communities your loved one is interested in will allow outside providers who accept Medicaid to enter the community and provide personal care or medical services. Some communities place restrictions on third-party providers.

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

What states offer Medicaid support for assisted living services?

Many states cover some aspect of assisted living costs through Medicaid. However, some states either don’t cover — or provide limited coverage for — services related to assisted living depending on what waivers they offer at the time.

According to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, nearly one in six assisted living residents in the United States relies upon Medicaid to cover their daily services.^[02] It’s worth exploring if your loved one’s state offers waivers or other programs to help pay for their assisted living services.

It’s also a good idea to verify Medicaid eligibility requirements and benefits with each state for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Remember that plans, programs, and waivers may be subject to changes at any time. There may be additional programs, waivers, or state Medicaid plans available that are not shown below, as this list is not exhaustive.

Alabama

Disabled adults in Alabama may be able to receive assistance with homemaker services through the state’s Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program. Seniors interested in this program should contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services at 800-243-5463.

Older adults with specific medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other serious illnesses, may qualify for personal care services through the State of Alabama Independent Living Waiver (SAIL) Program. To learn more and apply for this program, call the Department of Rehabilitation Services at 844-602-7245.

Alaska

The Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver may help eligible Alaskans residing full-time in assisted living to pay for care coordination, help with activities of daily living, specialized medical equipment, specialized private duty nursing services, and more. To apply for this waiver, contact the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Senior and Disability Services.

The Alaska state Medicaid plan, also known as DenaliCare, offers the Personal Care Services Program, which provides support with an eligible senior’s activities of daily living. It should be noted that this program is overseen by the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Senior and Disability Services but is provided through private agencies. To apply for this program, contact the Personal Care Services Unit of the Division of Senior and Disability Services.

Non-Medicaid public assistance options: The Senior Benefits Program through the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Public Assistance offers monthly cash payments to qualified, low-income people who are 65+. Eligible seniors may also qualify to live in Alaska Pioneer Homes, assisted living communities owned and operated by the state of Alaska. Qualified Alaskan residents may also be eligible for a Permanent Fund Dividend through the State of Alaska Department of Revenue, which may be used at the discretion of the recipient, including paying for assisted living care.

Arizona

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona’s Medicaid program, may cover some services in assisted living for qualified individuals. To apply for this program, call, email, or visit an ALTCS office.

Arkansas

The Living Choices Living Waiver may cover some of an eligible individual’s personal care services in an assisted living community. Arkansas seniors can apply for this program through the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

California

California’s state Medicaid plan, commonly referred to as Medi-Cal, offers the Assisted Living Waiver to help seniors pay for costs related to assisted living. However, the program does have a limited number of slots, and it may not be available in all parts of the state. To apply for this program, contact a Participating Care Coordination Agency.

Colorado

Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, offers Coloradans the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver (EBD) to help cover services that may be performed in an assisted living environment. Unfortunately, this waiver may have waitlists at times. To apply for this waiver, contact he appropriate Single Entry Point Agency.

Connecticut

Seniors in this state may qualify for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), which helps qualified older adults cover the cost of personal care services in specific circumstances. CHCPE started a private assisted living pilot program, but that portion of the program may have a waitlist. To apply, fill out an application with the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Delaware

Residents of Delaware may be able to have some assisted living services covered through the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus) Enhanced Benefits program. To learn if your loved one is eligible, call 800-996-9969 to speak with a Health Benefit Manager or email Dhss_dmma_dshp_plus@delaware.gov.

District of Columbia

Older adults who reside in nation’s capital may be eligible for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Waiver Program through the Government of the District of Columbia’s Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). This program may provide services to help older adults with activities of daily living. To learn more or apply, contact the DACL at 202-724-5626 or at dacl@dc.gov.

Florida

In this state, the Agency for Health Care Administration offers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program to older adults and people with disabilities. It covers some services related to long-term care. Space is limited, so a waitlist may exist at times, which may be prioritized by need. To apply for this program, your loved one must be screened. To set up a screening, contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), or call the toll-free Elder Helpline at 800-96-ELDER (800-963-5337).

Georgia

The Georgia Elderly and Disabled 1915c Medicaid Waiver operates the Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) program. This program provides help paying for some long-term care services, including assisted living services, for Georgia residents. To apply for this program, your loved one should call 866-552-4464.

The Community Care Services Program also operates under the Georgia Elderly and Disabled 1915c Medicaid Waiver and provides older adults with community-based social, health, and support services. Even though this program falls under the same waiver and offers similar programming, your loved one will have to apply for this program separately.

Hawaii

Low-income adults in this state may see assisted living services costs offset by coverage through the state of Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division (MQD). This program offers health insurance and long-term care benefits. Your loved one can learn more and apply through the State of Hawaii’s MyBenefits online portal or by calling 877-628-5076.

Non-Medicaid public assistance option: The Kupuna Care (KC) program provides in-home care services to older adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid but also lack private resources to pay for care. To learn more, call 808-768-7700.

Idaho

Eligible older adults and people with disabilities may receive services through the Idaho Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver. Apply through the online portal at IdaLink.

Illinois

Eligible older adults may qualify for the Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP), which can potentially cover personal care, laundry, medication assistance, and other services related to assisted living. To learn if this program would work for your loved one’s unique situation, call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 217-782-0545.

Indiana

Older Hoosiers can seek assistance for costs associated with assisted living services through the Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver if they meet the respective eligibility requirements. If your loved one is interested in applying, they should reach out to their local Area Agency on Aging.

Iowa

The Hawkeye State offers Medicaid waivers to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities pay for services associated with assisted living. These include the Home- And Community-Based Services Health and Disability Waiver and the Home- and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver.

To learn more, call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 800-338-8366.

Kansas

Qualified seniors in Kansas may be able to have some long-term care services covered by KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program. To apply, visit the KanCare Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal.

Kansas also offers Medicaid waivers like the Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver Program that may pay for some services delivered in an assisted living facility. To learn more about this program, call 785-296-4983.

Non-Medicaid public assistance option: The Senior Care Act (SCA) was created by the Kansas Legislature to help older adults retain their independence through in-home care services, such as attendant care and homemaker services. If your loved one is interested in this program, call 855-200-2372 to learn more.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, eligible older adults and people with disabilities may be able to use the Home and Community Based Waiver to help pay for services, such as attendant care, related to assisted living. To learn if your loved one qualifies, call 844-784-5614 or email 1915cwaiverhelpdesk@ky.gov.

Louisiana

Qualified older adults in Louisiana may be able to use the Community Choices Waiver to help pay for assisted living services, such as personal care. To learn more about this program or to apply, call 877-456-1146.

Non-Medicaid public assistance option: If your loved one is an older adult with disabilities, they may be able to participate in the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. This program connects participants with affordable rental housing and customized services to support community living. The application process for PSH varies by location in the state. To learn more, call 844-698-9075.

Maine

MaineCare offers eligible older adults and people with disabilities multiple programs that may pay for services associated with assisted living.

If your loved one is interested in learning more, they can call the State of Maine’s Office of Aging and Disability Services at 800-262-2232 or email OADS@maine.gov.

Maryland

In Maryland, the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver may pay for assisted living costs for eligible older adults. However, this program may be limited. There also may be a waitlist at times.

Additionally, the Community First Choice Program may cover some services, such as personal assistance services and nurse monitoring, for eligible older adults living in assisted living communities.

To learn more about these programs, call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465.

Massachusetts

MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid plan, offers the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program, which provides funding for seniors to use for personal care services.

To learn more, contact a Personal Care Management Agency near your loved one. If your loved one needs information in braille, large print, or languages besides English, contact the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 800-841-2900.

Michigan

Eligible seniors and disabled adults can potentially use the MI Choice Waiver Program to pay for supportive services, such as nursing services and community living supports, while living in a community setting. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, reach out to your loved one’s specific Michigan Waiver Agent.

If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid and Medicare, they may be able to find support for assisted living costs through the MI Health Link Program. This program may offer seniors a wide range of services, including home and community-based services. To learn more about this program, call 800-975-7630

Minnesota

In the state of Minnesota, qualified older adults and people with disabilities may be able to find support for assisted living expenses through multiple Medicaid options.

These include:

The Elderly Waiver (EW) Program
The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota’s Medicaid program

To learn more or apply for these options, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 or .the appropriate county or tribal office.

Mississippi

Those who reside in a Medicaid-approved assisted living community in Mississippi may be able to receive support for some services through the Assisted Living Waiver. To learn more or apply for this program, your loved one can call the Mississippi Division of Medicaid toll-free at 800-421-2408.

Missouri

Missouri’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, offers several options that may help eligible older adults and people with disabilities pay for services related to assisted living.

These include:

Call 855-373-9994 or visit the Missouri Department of Social Services online portal to apply.

Montana

For qualified older adults and adults with disabilities, there are multiple Medicaid options in Montana that may provide assistance with some assisted living services expenses.

These include:

The Montana Big Sky Waiver Program
The Community First Choice (CFC) Program
The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Program

To learn more, contact the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Senior and Long Term Care Division at 406-444-4077.

Nebraska

Older Nebraskans may be able to seek support for assisted living expenses through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver. Program participants may choose to live in a qualified assisted living facility as part of their provider options.

To apply for this waiver, call 877-667-6266 to request an application be mailed to you.

Nevada

Seniors may be able to offset the costs of assisted living services through Nevada’s Medicaid programs. The Waiver for the Frail Elderly (FE) and the Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities may offer qualified individuals with some services that can be received while in assisted living.

To learn if your loved one meets eligibility requirements for either waiver, contact the appropriate Aging and Disability Services Office.

New Hampshire

For older adults and people with disabilities in New Hampshire, the Choices for Independence Program may help eligible seniors cover some costs associated with assisted living. Program participants typically work with a case manager to help with planning care needs and services. To learn how to apply, contact the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at 800-351-1888.

New Jersey

Seniors and people with disabilities may find support for assisted living services costs through New Jersey’s Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). If your loved one is interested in applying, they can contact their local Aging & Disability Resource Connection/Area Agency on Aging.

New Mexico

For seniors in New Mexico, Centennial Care, the state’s Medicaid program, includes long-term care benefits. However, eligibility requirements and other factors may affect what and how much is covered for an individual. To apply for Centennial Care, call 800-283-4465.

New York

Older New Yorkers, along with residents with disabilities, may be able to have some assisted living services covered by one of the state’s Medicaid programs.

These include:

To learn more about these programs and their application processes, contact the appropriate local Department of Social Services.

North Carolina

Older adults and people with disabilities can potentially find support for services associated with assisted living through North Carolina’s Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). Medicaid-covered services may include personal assistance, case management, and more. If your loved one is interested in this program, encourage them to reach out to their local social services agency.

North Dakota

Eligible North Dakotans can seek support for some assisted living services through the state’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Programs.

To apply for Medicaid programs in North Dakota, seniors can call 855-462-5465 or email carechoice@nd.gov.

Ohio

Eligible seniors in Ohio can use the PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver program to access a variety of long-term care supports and services. However, the Assisted Living Waiver Program specifically address assisted living care costs in its benefits.

To learn more about these waiver programs, your loved one can call 866-243-5678 to reach their local Area Agency on Aging.

Oklahoma

Older adults in Oklahoma may be able to offset the costs of assisted living care through SoonerCare, the state’s Medicaid program. The ADvantage Waiver covers assisted living care for eligible seniors, while State Plan Personal Care (SPPC) covers personal care and skilled nursing for eligible members.

To apply, call the Medicaid Services Unit at 800-435-4711 or apply online.

Talk with a Senior Care Advisor

Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones.

Oregon

For seniors residing in Oregon, the state Medicaid program offers coverage for some home and community-based services and supports through Plan K. Oregonians interested in Plan K should

call 855-673-2372 and ask to be connected with their local Aging and Disability Resource Connection Office.

Pennsylvania

If your loved one receives long-term supports through Medicaid or has both Medicaid and Medicare, they may be eligible for Community HealthChoices (CHC). This program seeks to help those needing supportive services in the community instead of in a nursing home.

To apply, visit COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s online portal for health and human services programs.

Rhode Island

Seniors in Rhode Island may be able to cover some assisted living care costs through the state’s Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports. Apply online or call 401-462-4205 to learn more.

South Carolina

Healthy Connections is South Carolina’s Medicaid program. Through its Community Long Term Care (CLTC) programs, such as the Community Choices Waiver, eligible older adults may be able to have personal care or attendant care services covered. To learn more, call 800-726-8774, or start an application online.

South Dakota

The South Dakota Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) provides supportive in-home and community-based services to eligible older adults through the Home and Community-Based Options and Person Centered Excellence (HOPE) Waiver. To learn more, call 605-773-3656.

Tennessee

Qualified seniors in this state may be able to receive Medicaid long-term care services and supports through Tennessee CHOICES. To learn more about this program, call 877-224-0219.

Texas

Texas Medicaid offers multiple options that can help eligible seniors pay for assisted living services costs:

Those in Texas can dial 211 for more information or apply online.

Utah

Utah’s seniors may be able offset the costs of assisted living services through the Utah Aging Waiver. To learn if your loved one may be eligible for this program, contact the Division of Aging and Adult Services at 801-538-3910.

Vermont

In Vermont, multiple Medicaid programs offer support for assisted living services to eligible older adults. These include the Attendant Services Program, the Choices for Care Program, and Assistive Community Care Services. Your loved one’s local Area Agency on Aging in Vermont can assist with the application process for these programs. You can reach them by calling 800-642-5119.

Virginia

Elder Virginians may seek support for services related to assisted living through Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus), a part of Virginia’s Medicaid program, also known as Cardinal Care. CCC Plus functions as an all-in-one-health plan for eligible seniors, which includes long-term services and supports. To learn more about eligibility and the application process, call 844-374-9159.

Washington State

This state may offer older adults long-term care services through its state Medicaid plan. To learn more or apply, visit the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.

West Virginia

Eligible older adults in West Virginia may be able to cover some assisted living services through the Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW). To apply for this program, your loved one will need to have a Medical Necessity Evaluation Request (MNER) form completed by a qualified medical professional.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s seniors may be able to find assisted living cost support through the Family Care Program. To learn if your loved one would be a good fit for this Medicaid program, call 800-362-3002 or email DHSFCWebmail@wisconsin.gov.

If your family member prefers to have more control over their care, the self-directed IRIS program may be an option to consider. Generally, seniors receive a budget for the unique support and services that they need through the program. To apply, use the IRIS online enrollment steps.

Wyoming

Older adults in Wyoming may be able to offset assisted living costs through the Wyoming Home and Community-Based Waiver Program. If your loved one has interest in this program, they can contact the Wyoming Department of Health at 800-510-0280.

What are alternative federal programs to pay for assisted living?

If Medicaid isn’t an option for your loved one, you may have to get creative with ways to pay for senior care. They may be able to find alternative support for assisted living costs through other federal programs.

HUD

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers two programs that can assist low-income and elderly adults with finding assisted living options:

The Housing Choice Vouchers Program, formally known as Section 8
The Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, also known as Section 202

To learn if there are HUD housing options in your loved one’s area, use the HUD resource locator.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

If your loved one doesn’t qualify for or have Medicaid, they can still utilize the PACE if their state offers it. This program may cover medically necessary long-term care services, such as home health care, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. People who have Medicare, but not Medicaid, will likely pay a monthly premium to cover the long-term care portion of PACE.

If your loved one doesn’t have Medicare or Medicaid, they’ll have to pay for PACE on their own. Depending on their unique situation, this may still be more affordable than paying out of pocket for other care.

To find a PACE plan in your area, use the PACE Plan search tool.

SSI

If your loved one is blind, an adult with disabilities, or a person who is 65 years old or older, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program provides financial support to eligible people with limited income and resources. To apply for this benefit, call 800-772-1213 or apply through the online Social Security Benefits portal.

VA benefits and programs

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, is a surviving spouse or child, or is a veteran spouse, they may qualify for benefits that can be used to pay for assisted living services and care.

VA programs that may pay for costs associated with assisted living include:

VA Aid and Attendance
VA Pension
Survivors Pension
VA Disability compensation
VA health benefits

Your loved one should consider reaching out to the VA if they think they may be eligible for a VA benefit. They can contact the VA through the following:

Ask VA, an online tool
VA chat bot, an virtual agent
MyVA411, a 24/7 hotline available at 800-698-2411
Their local VA location

How to find assisted living for your loved one

Searching for assisted living for your loved one can feel overwhelming. Our Senior Care Advisors can help your family as you navigate senior living options, and they can even help you set up tours with communities in your area. They can also assist you with understanding your loved one’s unique needs and determining what options might be within their budget.

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Meet the Author

Melissa Lee

Melissa Lee is a copywriter at OurParents, where she primarily creates content for veterans and caregivers. She pairs over a decade of writing experience with expertise gained from her time as a military programs volunteer and military spouse. She studied journalism at the University of Kansas.

Edited byDanny Szlauderbach

Reviewed byDenise Lettau

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom (of which OurParents is a trademark) and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Medicaid Assisted Living Programs: A State-By-State Guide

In this article

What is Medicaid?

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?

What are Medicaid waivers for assisted living?

How much does Medicaid pay for assisted living services?

hich assisted living facilities accept Medicaid?

Let our care assessment guide you

What states offer Medicaid support for assisted living services?

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Talk with a Senior Care Advisor

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington State

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

What are alternative federal programs to pay for assisted living?

HUD

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

SSI

VA benefits and programs

How to find assisted living for your loved one

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