Senior Housing And Care: How To Get Help From The Government

If you or a loved one are looking at senior housing options like nursing homes, retirement communities, hospice, and more, see how the government can chip in to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Long-term care and senior housing are things most of us will need at one point in our lives. Whether we choose to live independently as best as we can at home or take the assisted living route, some expenses will be involved.

How do many people cover such expenses? With funds from their own bank accounts. That may not be an option if you’re living on a low or fixed income, however, which is why we’ll take a look at some ways the government can help.

Medicare

You’re probably familiar with the fact that many government assistance programs are need-based. In other words, if you make too much income, you do not qualify.

Medicare is federal health insurance that bucks the trend, as having a certain level of income will not prevent you from receiving its benefits. As long as you are 65 or older or have a specific disability, you can qualify.

While there are two parts of Medicare that cover a vast range of healthcare costs, Part A deals with hospital insurance and can help with senior housing costs related to hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.

Medicaid

On the other end of the federal health insurance spectrum is Medicaid since it’s intended for parties who display a financial need. It covers a wide range of health and long-term care costs.

As far as senior housing is concerned, Medicaid can help you with community-based care at nursing facilities. If you plan to take the independent living route, home health services may also be covered.

How much does Medicaid cover in terms of long-term care costs for seniors? For assisted living services, approximately 10 percent is covered. Private funds carry the rest of the load. For nursing facilities, around 60 percent is paid.

Aid and Attendance for Veterans

The Aid and Attendance program helps veterans and their surviving spouses in cases where they need assistance with everyday living. Qualifying for this program leads to monthly benefits that can be applied towards senior care and housing.

Veterans can earn up to $1,644 monthly through Aid and Attendance. Surviving spouses can get up to $1,056 monthly, with couples’ eligibility maxing out at $1,949 per month. Whether you choose to remain in your home or plan to use an assisted living community or nursing home, these funds can help reduce your costs.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income is another way to chip at the high costs of senior housing and care. You can receive SSI if you are 65 or older. The blind and disabled also qualify. Besides those requirements, your income can be used to determine your SSI eligibility.

If you qualify for this benefit, some of your monthly checks can be allocated for housing and other senior care needs.