Assisted Living FAQs
Because many people have questions about assisted living, we are providing answers to the most asked Assisted living FAQs in the post below.
What is an assisted living facility:
Assisted living facilities provide individuals assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living). These activities include; meal preparation, bathing, dressing as well as medication management to name a few. All these activities are categorized as custodial care.
Click here to learn more about the activities of daily living
What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare in assisted living coverage:
There are definitely difference in how Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for assisted living.
- Medicare does not provide any coverage for assisted living facilities. Although it does short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation purposes as long as specific requirements are met. This criterion includes the exclusion of the need for long-term care.
- In some states, qualified Medicaid enrollees may receive help from a waiver program they provide with the costs for personal care as well as some other support services beneficiaries receive in an assisted living setting. This assistance can reduce the total cost of assisted living quite a bit. However, Medicaid does not offer help with the costs of room and board in an assisted living facility.
Click here for more details on Assisted living coverage
Is there a way to get financial assistance for assisted living:
As stated above, several states provide help with assisted living costs for anyone who has limited financial resources and qualifies for help such as Medicaid.
Veterans may qualify for help through programs offered through their local VA. These programs and VA benefits may offer help with the costs of assisted living.
Although Medicare does not cover assisted living facilities, it will cover cost for medical treatment provided by doctors or hospitals as well as some approved skilled nursing facility care. If prescription drugs are needed, they are covered by Medicare Part D.
How can I pay for long term care:
- Medicaid – if you qualify for your state’s Medicaid program, they may provide you with assistance for some of the costs for services received while in assisted living.
- If you were lucky enough to have purchased Long-term care insurance, you will at least have some help paying for the rather large cost of staying in a facility.
- Both Veterans as well as their spouses may be eligible for some benefits that help to pay the cost of assisted living through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Some individuals are fortunate enough to have substantial personal savings and or assets: you can certainly use whatever means you have to pay. This may include personal savings, retirement funds, or the proceeds from the sale of a home.
It is a good idea to consult with a professional financial advisor or attorney who can help you go over all your options and be prepared if you require the care of an assisted living facility.