How to Pay for Assisted Living 

Ryan Molloy, Managing Editor for #TheSeniorList.com talks with Co-founder Amie Clark about paying for #assistedliving. Ryan and Amie cover a range of topics surrounding assisted living, the rising costs of assisted living, and what state, federal, and private programs pay for this type of #senior housing.
Timestamps:
0:00 Ryan Molloy and Amie Clark introduction
0:20 What is assisted living?
1:12 How much does assisted living cost?
2:01 How much does assisted living cost for couples?
4:36 Why have assisted living costs increased over 70% since 2004?
7:26 Does Medicare cover assisted living?
7:53 Does Medicaid cover assisted living?
8:22 Does the VA pay for assisted living?
9:15 Is assisted living tax deductible? (The short answer is yes)
11:00 How do most people pay for assisted living?
11:57 What happens if you run out of money in assisted living?
12:43 What are some tips for affording assisted living?
13:46 If someone is concerned about running out of money, make sure to understand if a community has a Medicaid contract.
15:11 Smaller units are more affordable than larger ones in assisted living.
15:57 Apartment sharing may be a good solution to lowering the cost of the room.
16:23 Make sure you understand the fees associated with move-in - these may be negotiable.
17:44 If you already living in assisted living, make sure to pay attention to the monthly bill, stay in communication with upper management about any financial concerns.
Assisted living is a form of senior housing that allows older adults to be as independent as possible while receiving supportive services. In assisted living, residents can expect to have their own apartment setting, studio, one-bedroom, or two bedrooms. People who live in assisted living are generally active and enjoy communal activities such as dining and socializing.
In 2020, the median cost of assisted living in the US was $4300 per month. Depending on your location, costs can range from $3500 to $7000 per month.
The cost of assisted living is a combination of room and board (which will vary based on the size and location of the apartment), care needs of the resident and the services required to meet those needs, and in some cases additional amenities offered.
How much does assisted living cost for a couple? It really depends on the assisted living facility and how they calculate charges. Starting with room and board, then additional services each spouse needs. Each person will have their own plan of care and will be charged individually. From Amie's experience, you can expect a two-bedroom apartment to cost anywhere from $4000 to $6000 just for the room.
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, assisted living costs have increased over 70% since 2004. This can be attributed to caregiving shortages, higher acuity of the residents, and increased numbers of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In 2020, costs also rose specifically due to COVID- with PPE costs, regulatory changes, and supply and demand issues.
Medicare does not cover assisted living. Medicaid does cover assisted living. The VA may cover some of the costs of assisted living through the Aid and Attendance program.
Some or all of the costs of assisted living may be tax-deductible as a medical expense. Medical expenses, including some long-term care expenses, are deductible if the expenses are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.
Most people pay for assisted living out of pocket with their own money unless they simply do not have the resources to do so. In that case, Medicaid would pay. If people have invested in a long-term care insurance policy, then their policy will pay based on their specific policy.
Learn more on our website: www.theseniorlist.com
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