Medicaid waiver programs were created to enable seniors to receive affordable care services in their homes or other community spaces rather than a nursing home or other residential facility. However, for many seniors, an assisted living community may count as their home. Depending on the state they live in, Medicaid waivers may be an option for covering the cost of assisted living. Medicaid programs, including waivers, vary widely by state. And unlike a state’s regular Medicaid plan, waivers aren’t entitlement programs, meaning they’re not automatically available to all states residents who qualify for Medicaid.
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Many states, though not all, offer waiver programs to help residents with the cost of assisted living. Federal Medicaid rules don’t allow Medicaid to cover room and board in assisted living communities, but some states’ waiver programs make it possible for the state’s Medicaid plan to cover more services for more people, including assisted living.[01]
Waiver programs are a way for states to “waive certain Medicaid eligibility requirements, covering care for people who might not otherwise be eligible for Medicaid.”[02] Not all states have waiver programs; some states cover medically necessary services and supports through their regular Medicaid plan.
Because each state has the flexibility to design and administer its own Medicaid program and waiver availability, coverage and eligibility requirements vary.
Medicaid waiver coverage varies by state, but generally waiver programs are intended to cover the following assisted living services:[03]
Some states don’t provide Medicaid assistance to cover room and board in assisted living. Instead, they may cover comparable services such as in-home care or adult day health care.
Medicaid waiver programs aren’t entitlements, meaning they’re not automatically available to all state residents who qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility requirements for waivers that cover assisted living vary, but many states have similar criteria:[01]
In many states, seniors can have monthly incomes up to 300% of the federal SSI payment, which is $2,901 per month for an individual in 2025. Typically, there are also limits on the value of assets that a resident can retain to qualify.
If your loved one qualifies for an assisted living waiver, they must then find a community that accepts Medicaid as payment.
No, only about 50% of assisted living communities in the U.S. are Medicaid certified.[01] While there isn’t a nationwide source for this information, many states provide resources to help residents find assisted living communities that accept Medicaid. If you think your loved one might qualify for Medicaid long-term care, contact their local Area Agency on Aging for help in understanding the options.
Many states provide Medicaid assistance for services in an assisted living community, and some will also cover room and board. The exact rules and regulations for these waiver programs vary.[01] Though not an exhaustive list, the following state-by-state guide provides a general idea of the assisted living waivers and other state programs that families can use to pay for care.
Alabama has several Medicaid programs to help adults who want to age in place rather than enter a nursing home.[04] These include, but aren’t limited to, the Elderly and Disabled waiver program, Technology Assisted Waiver for Adults, and the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) waiver. Alabama doesn’t offer a Medicaid waiver to cover the cost of assisted living in a residential community.[05]
Eligibility requirements: Eligible Alaskans must not have an income of more than $2,901 per month in 2025 (equivalent to 300% of the federal SSI payment) and can’t have assets valued at more than $2,000.
Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) is a Medicaid waiver program that supports Alaskans who reside in assisted living.[06] It also covers adult day care, care coordination, respite care, meals, specialized medical equipment, specialized private-duty nursing, transportation services, and health- and safety-related modifications at home.
Eligibility requirements: The ALI waiver is available to Alaska residents age 65 and older, or residents younger than 65 who are disabled and who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. An individual’s monthly income must not exceed 300% of the federal SSI payment, which is $2,901 per month in 2025.
The Arizona Long-Term Care System is a Medicaid program that can help residents pay for assisted living. The program may also cover medical services, behavioral health, care in a nursing facility, and hospice.[07]
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for the Arizona Long-Term Care System, an applicant must be 65 or older or have a disability and require a nursing home level of care. Their income can’t exceed 300% of the SSI, which is $2,901 per month in 2025, and assets can’t be valued at more than $2,000.
In Arkansas, Living Choices is the state’s Medicaid waiver program for assisted living. The program provides seniors with round-the-clock care and supervision in an assisted living community, while enabling them to live independently.[08]
Eligibility requirements: The Living Choices waiver program is available to Arkansas residents younger than 65 who have a physical disability and to seniors 65 and older. Applicants must meet certain financial criteria, meet the nursing home care criteria at the intermediate level, and must need at least one of the available services.[07] The maximum monthly income is 300% of the federal SSI payment, or $2,901 per month in 2025.
California’s Assisted Living waiver (ALW) pays for personal care services in residential care facilities, adult residential care facilities, or public subsidized housing.[09] The program is available at assisted living communities in 15 counties:
Eligibility requirements: The ALW is available to residents age 21 and older who are fully eligible for Medi-Cal with zero share of costs. Recipients must also have care needs equal to Medi-Cal residents living in nursing facilities.
The Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver in Colorado pays for services provided in assisted living communities. These services include 24-hour oversight, medication administration, personal care, and homemaker services.
Eligibility requirements: The EBD waiver is available to Colorado residents age 65 and older with functional impairment, residents who are blind, and those younger than 65 who are physically disabled or diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. They must require a level of care comparable to those living in a skilled nursing facility. Their monthly income must be less than 300% of the SSI limit — $2,901 in 2025. Individuals must have countable resources less than $2,000, while couples must have countable resources under $3,000.[10]
Connecticut’s assisted living waiver is part of the state’s Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE).[11] The program provides nursing and personal care services to residents of assisted living communities. There are four tiers with an increasing amount of personal care services and nursing hours, depending on the resident’s level of need.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for Connecticut’s assisted living waiver program, an applicant must be 65 and older and meet functional and financial requirements. Participants of the program may need to pay a share of the cost or applied income payments. The waiver income limit is 300% of the SSI payment, or $2,901 per month for an individual in 2025. The asset value limit is $1,600.[12]
Delaware helps residents pay for assisted living through the Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus), a managed care program for seniors and adults with physical disabilities. The program provides a range of services to eligible seniors, including nursing home care, assisted living, and other home-based support.
Eligibility requirements: Delaware residents can qualify for the DSHP-Plus program if they meet medical and financial eligibility standards established by the state’s Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. The monthly income limit for an individual is 250% of the SSI. In 2025, that’s $2,417.50.[13]
Florida’s Long-Term Care waiver provides assisted living to seniors and adults with physical disabilities. Besides assisted living services, the waiver program pays for more than two dozen home and community-based services and nursing facilities’ services.
Eligibility requirements: The Long-Term Care waiver is available to low-income Florida residents age 65 and older in need of a nursing home level of care or adults younger than 65 who are disabled or who require a nursing home level of care. The monthly income limit is 300% of the SSI payment, or $2,901 in 2025.[14]
Georgia residents can receive assisted living services through the state’s Elderly and Disabled waiver Program. The program can also provide adult day care, personal care, home-delivered meals, and respite care for family caregivers.[15]
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for Georgia’s assisted living waiver, applicants must be state residents age 65 and older and have physical limitations. Residents younger than 65 can qualify if they meet certain disability requirements. Physician approval for intermediate nursing home care is required. The monthly income limit is 300% of the federal SSI payment, or $2,901 for an individual in 2025. The asset value limit is $2,000.[16]
In Hawaii, the Medicaid program QUEST Integration provides assisted living services to eligible seniors. Other long-term care benefits offered through the program include nursing facility care, adult day care, skilled nursing, and home-based personal care. Additionally, QUEST Integration provides primary and acute care services and behavioral health services.
Eligibility requirements: A physician must determine that an applicant has a need for the required level of care. The applicant’s income cannot exceed the federal poverty level for Hawaii, which is $1,500 per month in 2025.[17]
The Aged and Disabled waiver provides assisted living to eligible residents in Idaho. Some of the other services offered through the Medicaid program include adult day health care, homemaker services, home accessibility adaptations, skilled nursing, medical supplies, and respite care.[18]
Eligibility requirements: The Aged and Disabled waiver is available to Idaho residents age 65 and older who meet a nursing home level of care or those younger than 65 who are disabled. Their income must not exceed $2,921 a month for an individual in 2025.[19]
The Supportive Living Program (SLP) provides assisted living services to eligible adults in Illinois. Services available through the Medicaid waiver include medication oversight, health assessments by licensed nurses, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), laundry, housekeeping, social programming, and meals.
Eligibility requirements: Illinois adults younger than 65 who have physical disabilities and seniors age 65 and older who would otherwise require a nursing facility level of care are eligible for the waiver program. Their income cannot exceed the federal SSI payment, which is $967 monthly for an individual in 2025.[20]
The Indiana PathWays for Aging waiver helps seniors in Indiana afford assisted living. The Medicaid waiver program also offers benefits such as adult day care, homemaker services, home or vehicle modifications, specialized medical supplies, transportation, and home-delivered meals.
Eligibility requirements: The program is available to disabled Indiana residents up to age 64 and seniors age 65 and older who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. An individual applicant’s monthly income cannot exceed 300% of the federal SSI payment, or $2,901 in 2025.[21]
In Iowa, the Home- and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver helps seniors pay for assisted living. Under this Medicaid waiver, eligible residents in assisted living can receive help with personal care and 24-hour on-site supervision to help provide safety and security.
Eligibility requirements: Iowa residents age 65 and older can qualify for the Home- and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver if their care needs would otherwise require admission to a medical institution. The maximum monthly income for an individual is 300% of the federal SSI payment, which is $2,901 in 2025.[22]
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Kansas seniors can receive assisted living services through the Home and Community Based Services for the Frail Elderly waiver. The Medicaid waiver program is designed for low-income seniors who need help with personal care. This waiver also provides other types of services such as adult day care.
Eligibility requirements: The Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly waiver is available to Kansas residents age 65 and older who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. For financial eligibility, a resident’s income can’t be greater than 300% of the federal SSI payment, an amount that equals $2,901 in 2025.[23]
For most seniors in Kentucky, Medicaid doesn’t pay for assisted living. However, the state has several waivers designed to help provide personal care services.
For instance, the Kentucky Home and Community Based waiver offers adult day health care, in-home personal care, and home-delivered meals for eligible seniors age 65 and older and adults younger than 65 who have physical disabilities. The Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver provides personal assistance to residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.[24]
Eligibility requirements: Eligible Kentucky residents can’t have a monthly income greater than $2,829 in 2025, and the total value of assets can’t be more than $2,000. Residents must also need a nursing home level of care.
Louisiana doesn’t have a Medicaid program that pays for assisted living. Instead, the Community Choices waiver helps seniors and adults with physical disabilities access services such as adult day health care, home adaptations, assistive devices and medical supplies, in-home caregiving, and home-delivered meals. It serves seniors age 65 and older and adults younger than 65 who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care.[25]
Eligibility requirements: In 2025, eligible Louisiana residents must need a nursing home level of care, have income less than $2,901 per month for an individual, and mustn’t have assets valued at more than $2,000.
MaineCare, the Medicaid program in Maine, provides coverage for assisted living services. These services are provided through residential care facilities licensed by the state. Some of the services they provide include personal care, meals, medication management, and supervision.[26]
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for long-term benefits under MaineCare, applicants must meet the financial and functional requirements of the state plan. Maine residents living in an assisted living community can be covered if they’re eligible for SSI, if their countable income is equal to or less than the private pay rate for the facility, or if their countable income is above the private rate, but they meet a deductible through medical expenses. An individual applicant’s countable assets are limited to $2,000, but they’re allowed a bank account or investment accounts valued up to $8,000.[27]
In Maryland, the Community Options waiver covers assisted living for qualified seniors and adults with disabilities. The Medicaid waiver provides personal care, nurse monitoring, assistive technology, physician care, and other important services. It’s designed for residents who need help with ADLs.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be Maryland residents who would otherwise need a nursing home level of care. An individual’s monthly income can’t exceed 300% of SSI, which is $2,901 per month in 2025. Their countable assets must not be valued at more than $2,000 or $2,500, depending on the category.[28]
Massachusetts seniors can receive assisted living services through the Moving Forward Plan Residential Supports waiver. The Medicaid waiver enables seniors age 65 and older — or adults with disabilities who’ve resided in a nursing home or long-term care hospital for at least 90 days — to return to their community. This could include moving into an assisted living community. Services may include homemaking, personal care, meals, chores, and other support.
Eligibility requirements: In addition to residing in a nursing home for at least 90 days, Massachusetts seniors must meet certain financial requirements for the Moving Forward Plan Residential Supports waiver. An individual applicant’s monthly income can’t be more than 300% of SSI, or $2,901 in 2025. The value of their countable assets must not exceed $2,000.[29]
The MI Choice waiver program provides assisted living and home-based services to seniors and adults with disabilities. Seniors who choose a community residential setting can live in smaller group homes or larger-size communities for the aged. Some of the services included under the waiver are skilled nursing, personal care, and transportation.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the MI Choice waiver program, an applicant must be 65 or older or an adult younger than 65 with a disability who requires a nursing home level of care. They must require at least two services provided under the waiver, one of which must be the coordination of necessary services and supports. To be financially eligible, an individual applicant can’t have an income that exceeds 300% of the SSI, which is $2,901 in 2025.[30]
Eligible seniors in Minnesota can receive assisted living services through the state’s Elderly waiver. The Medicaid waiver program also provides home care services for seniors who want to keep living in their own residence. Though the waiver doesn’t pay for room and board at assisted living communities, applicants may be eligible for assistance with these expenses through the Housing Supports program.
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for Minnesota’s Elderly waiver, an applicant must be 65 and older and require a nursing home level of care. Applicants whose income falls below the federal poverty level are eligible for the program. Additionally, residents can become eligible by spending down their income with applicable expenses such as health insurance premiums or qualifying services. The countable asset value limit for most seniors is $3,000.[31]
Mississippi provides the Assisted Living waiver to seniors who would otherwise require care in a nursing home. Under this Medicaid waiver, eligible seniors and adults with disabilities can receive services such as personal care, medication administration, transportation, social programming, and intermittent skilled nursing.
Eligibility requirements: The Assisted Living waiver in Mississippi is available to state residents age 21 and older who meet the eligibility requirements as determined by a screening process. The screening assesses the applicant’s medical conditions, cognitive or sensory deficits, behaviors, and needs for assistance with ADLs. They must be financially eligible for Medicaid as an SSI recipient, or their monthly income must not exceed 300% of the SSI benefit, which is $2,901 in 2025.[32]
In Missouri, the Supplemental Nursing Care program can help eligible residents pay for services in assisted living.[33] The program from MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) provides a varying amount of financial assistance depending on the participant’s level of need. The state’s Aged and Disabled waiver covers homemaker services, as well as help with chores, respite, home delivered meals, and adult day care.[34]
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for the Supplemental Nursing Care program in Missouri, an applicant must be 21 and older and demonstrate a medical need through an assessment. There must be a deficit when the applicant’s income is subtracted from the assisted living facility charge. To qualify for the Aged and Disabled waiver, state residents must be at least 63 years old or require a nursing home level of care.
Montana seniors can get help paying for assisted living through the Big Sky waiver program. Some of the assisted living services provided under this Medicaid waiver include transportation, homemaker services, personal care, periodic nursing evaluations, and medication administration.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the Big Sky waiver program, Montana residents must qualify for Medicaid and meet the minimum level of care requirements for being placed in a nursing facility. They must have a need that can only be met through the waiver program.[35]
For Nebraska seniors, the Aged and Disabled waiver can help cover the cost of assisted living. Some of the services available through this Medicaid waiver include assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, social activities, laundry, medication assistance, and transportation.[36]
Eligibility requirements: The Aged and Disabled waiver in Nebraska is available to disabled residents and to seniors age 65 and older who need a nursing home level of care. To be financially eligible, an individual’s income must not exceed the federal poverty level, which is $1,304 per month in 2025. Applicants who are medically needy can become eligible by spending down their income to the medically needy income level, which is $392 for an individual.[37]
Nevada’s Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly helps seniors pay for certain services in assisted living. The Medicaid waiver program includes augmented personal care, which is care that goes beyond the mandatory services required for residential care facilities. There are four levels of augmented personal care, ranging from minimal assistance to critical behaviors that require the full attention of assisted living staff.
Eligibility requirements: Nevada seniors age 65 and older who are at risk of being admitted to a nursing home can qualify for the state’s Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly. Individual applicants with income up to 300% of the monthly SSI payment, or $2,901 in 2025, can qualify.[38]
The Choices for Independence program in New Hampshire helps seniors pay for services in assisted living. Some of the residential care facility services that can be provided under the Medicaid waiver include personal care, 24-hour supervision, transportation, and dietary planning.
Eligibility requirements: New Hampshire residents age 65 and older and disabled adults younger than 65 may be eligible for the Choices for Independence program if they would otherwise require care in a nursing facility. Individuals with income less than 300% of SSI, which is $2,901 per month in 2025, may be financially eligible. Medically needy applicants can also become eligible by spending down their income.[39]
Assisted living is covered under New Jersey Medicaid’s NJ FamilyCare, a managed-care program designed to expand home- and community-based services in the state. New Jersey offers comprehensive services and supports to residents in assisted living through its Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for assisted living provided under NJ FamilyCare, an applicant must be at least 21 and meet the need for a nursing home level of care. This means they require assistance with at least three activities of daily living. Their income cannot exceed 300% of the SSI monthly payment, which is $2,901 in 2025. The asset value limit is $2,000.[40]
New Mexico seniors can receive help paying for assisted living through Centennial Care, the state’s Medicaid program. Specifically, the Community Benefit program offers assisted living services for residents who require a nursing home level of care.[41]
Eligibility requirements: New Mexico residents already enrolled in full-coverage Medicaid and who receive health care through a Medicaid-managed care organization may be eligible for the Community Benefit program. The maximum allowable income is $2,901 per month in 2025 with an asset value limit of $2,000.[42]
New York’s Assisted Living Program helps seniors in the state pay for assisted living. The Medicaid program provides personal care, housekeeping, supervision, nursing, therapies, and other services.[43]
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the Assisted Living Program, applicants must be medically eligible for a nursing home, but must not require continual nursing care. The program is limited to 4,200 participants. An applicant cannot have an income greater than $1,800 or assets valued at more than $32,396 in 2025.[44]
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The State-County Special Assistance Program helps North Carolina seniors pay for assisted living.[45] Referred to as adult care homes or family care homes, these licensed communities offer help with ADLs and provide 24-hour supervision. Seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can live in special units within a community, and the program offers a different rate of assistance to these residents.
Eligibility requirements: North Carolina residents must be 65 and older or disabled to qualify for the State-County Special Assistance Program. The state will analyze an applicant’s special assistance needs, income, and assets to determine eligibility.
In North Dakota, the Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services can help seniors pay for assisted living. Some of the services provided in residential care communities may include personal care, social programming, and 24-hour supervision.
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for North Dakota’s Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services, state residents must be 65 and older or disabled and meet income and eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Applicants also must be capable of directing their own care and living in their own home or an apartment.[46]
The Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver program in Ohio helps eligible residents cover the cost of assisted living.[47] Through this program, participants receive help paying for care services and use their own resources to pay for room and board. These services could include personal care, nursing, transportation, help with medications, social activities, and housekeeping.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver program in Ohio, an individual must be 21 and older and need assistance with ADLs. They also must meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility and can pay the state’s monthly room and board rate. This rate is equal to the SSI payment minus $50 in 2025, which is $917 per month for an individual.
The Advantage Waiver Program covers assisted living in Oklahoma. Under this Medicaid program, seniors and adults with disabilities can receive help paying for services in an assisted living community. Some of these services include help with personal care, housekeeping, laundry, periodic nursing evaluations, medication administration, social programming, and transportation to medical appointments.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the Advantage Waiver Program, an Oklahoma resident must be 65 and older or younger than 65 with a disability and require a nursing home level of care. They cannot have a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities or cognitive impairment, and their needs must be met by the services provided under the waiver.[48]
Oregon residents may be eligible for help paying for assisted living through the state’s Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) waiver or the K Plan.[49]
Eligibility requirements: Low-income individuals who demonstrate a need for long-term care services may be eligible for assisted living through Medicaid in Oregon. They also must qualify financially for Medicaid.
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program doesn’t generally pay for care in assisted living communities, which are referred to as personal care boarding homes by the state. However, the state does offer two waiver programs to help low-income residents with the cost of assisted living: the Community HealthChoices waiver and the Living Independence for the Elderly waiver.[50,51]
Eligibility requirements: Pennsylvania residents are eligible for these programs if their monthly income is less than $2,901 and their assets are valued at less than $2,000. They must also demonstrate that they need a nursing home level of care.
Rhode Island’s Medicaid program can help seniors pay for assisted living and other long-term services and supports.[52] These could include both medical care and other services such as help with ADLs.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for Medicaid-funded assisted living in Rhode Island, an applicant must be 65 and older, their monthly income can’t exceed $2,901, and the value of their assets can’t exceed $4,000.
South Carolina residents can receive help with assisted living services through the Community Choices waiver.[53] This Medicaid waiver program may provide residential personal care, which could include help with ADLs, medication monitoring, laundry, housekeeping, and transportation.
Eligibility requirements: For eligibility in the Community Choices waiver program, a South Carolina resident must be 65 and older or an adult with a disability and require a nursing home level of care. An individual applicant’s income cannot exceed 300% of SSI, which is $2,901 per month in 2025.
The HOPE Waiver in South Dakota can help eligible seniors pay for assisted living.[54] Through the Medicaid waiver, residents may receive assistance with services such as personal care, chores, meal preparation, and 24-hour supervision.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the HOPE Waiver, residents of South Dakota must be age 65 and older or younger than 65 with a disability and require a nursing home level of care. An individual’s monthly income cannot exceed 300% of SSI, or $2,901 for an individual in 2025. Their asset value limit is $2,000.
TennCare, which is Tennessee’s state Medicaid program, offers the CHOICES program to help pay for assisted living.[55] The program will assist residents of assisted living communities with personal care, homemaker services, and taking medications.
Eligibility requirements: To qualify for the CHOICES program, a Tennessee resident must require a nursing home level of care. Additionally, their income can’t exceed 300% of SSI, which is $2,901 per month for an individual. The value of their assets can’t exceed $2,000.
Texas residents can get help paying for assisted living through STAR+PLUS, the state’s Medicaid managed care program for adults with disabilities and seniors age 65 and older.[55] Assisted living services are offered through the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services waiver.
Eligibility requirements: Texas residents may be eligible for assisted living services through STAR+PLUS if they’re approved for Medicaid.
The New Choices waiver helps Utah seniors who’ve been living in a Medicaid-funded nursing home, assisted living community, or small health care facility.[57] Through this program, eligible residents can get assistance moving back home or into an assisted living community, as long as their needs are safely met there.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for New Choices waiver, an applicant must be age 18 and older and satisfy Utah Medicaid financial requirements. Additionally, they must be:
Vermont’s Choices for Care program can help eligible residents pay for assisted living or a residential care home.[58] Services may include personal care, meal preparation, medication management, nursing overview, activities, 24-hour supervision, laundry, and housekeeping.
Eligibility requirements: The Choices for Care program requires that Vermont residents be age 65 and older or younger than 65 with a disability and require a nursing home level of care. They must meet certain financial criteria for long-term care Medicaid in Vermont.
Virginia’s Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) Plus waiver provides financial assistance that may be used to pay for services and supports in assisted living.[59]
Eligibility requirements: Eligible individuals in Virginia must need a nursing home level of care, have income less than $2,901 per month, and have assets valued at no more than $2,000.
The Medicaid Personal Care program within Washington’s Medicaid State Plan helps seniors pay for assisted living. Some of the services provided by the program include assistance with ADLs, medication management, meal preparation, and housework.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the Medicaid Personal Care Program, a Washington resident must be age 65 and older or considered disabled. They must need assistance with at least three ADLs, and their monthly income can’t exceed $967 for an individual.[60]
The Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) waiver covers assisted living for eligible residents in Washington, D.C. In addition to helping pay for assisted living, the program provides services to help people continue living in their home.[61]
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the EPD waiver in Washington, D.C., residents must be 65 and older or younger than 65 with a physical disability. They also must receive a prescription order form from a D.C. Medicaid provider, complete an assessment to establish a level of need, have countable assets valued at less than $4,000, and countable income no more than 300% of the SSI payment. That’s $2,901 per month in 2025.
The Medicaid Personal Care program in West Virginia is generally for residents who need assistance to continue living in their home.[62] It provides help with ADLs, light housekeeping, and health-related tasks.
Eligibility requirements: A West Virginia resident must require assistance with at least three ADLs to be eligible for the Medicaid Personal Care program. Additionally, they must meet the Medicaid program’s financial eligibility requirements.
In Wisconsin, Family Care is a Medicaid long-term care program that can help seniors pay for assisted living.[63] The program can assist eligible residents with personal care in adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, or residential care apartment complexes. Additionally, the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program can similarly help adults find care in an assisted living community.[64]
Eligibility requirements: Wisconsin’s Family Care program is available to Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities or seniors with functional needs as determined through screening. They must have a long-term condition that will last longer than 90 days, which could include dementia or terminal conditions. The IRIS program is open to Wisconsin adults who meet the functional level of care. Their income can’t exceed 300% of SSI, or $2,901 per month in 2025. Participants may need to pay for a share of costs if their income is greater.
The Community Choices waiver in Wyoming can help seniors pay for assisted living. Through this Medicaid program, eligible residents can receive personal care and supportive services in a residential setting with 24-hour supervision.[65]
Eligibility requirements: Wyoming residents are eligible for the Community Choices waiver program if they’re age 65 and older or an adult with a disability and in need of a nursing home level of care. Their income can’t be greater than 300% of SSI, which is $2,901 per month for an individual in 2025.
Applying for Medicaid waivers for assisted living is different in every state. In general though, if your loved one is already receiving Medicaid, their social worker should be able to help them apply for waiver programs.
Some seniors don’t qualify for Medicaid when they first enter assisted living communities. Over time though, they spend down their own income and assets to a level at which they will qualify.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t refer families who are using public pay options like Medicaid to cover senior living services, a Senior Living Advisor can explain more about how Medicaid works for long-term care. They can also recommend a short-term stay at an assisted living facility or temporary home care to help your loved one through a Medicaid spend down period.
To qualify for California’s Assisted Living Waiver, a person must first apply for Medi-Cal coverage. Once accepted, they’ll be evaluated by a Department of Health Care Services’ nurse evaluator. From there, they can be added to a waiting list for an assisted living community covered by the ALW.
No, your loved one’s Social Security check shouldn’t change if you qualify for and receive a Medicaid waiver for assisted living.
To be eligible for a Medicaid waiver for assisted living, a person must demonstrate that they need a nursing home level of care. It doesn’t matter what condition or disease they have.
Yes, people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s and who need a nursing home level of care are eligible, so long as they meet their state’s income and asset requirements.
Key Takeaways
Priya Chidambaram, Abby Wolk, Alice Burns, and Molly O’Malley Watts. (2025, March 14). What Services Does Medicaid Cover In Assisted Living Facilities?
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Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. (2025, January). Medicaid program income limits.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Supportive living program: resident fact sheet.
Indiana State Government. Indiana pathways for aging.
Iowa Department of Human Services. (2022, May). Home- and community-based services elderly waiver information packet.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Frail Elderly.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Home and community-based waiver.
Louisiana Department of Health – Aging and Adult Services. (2025, February). Community Choices Waiver.
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Residential and nursing care services. Office of Aging and Disability Services.
Department of Health and Human Services. MaineCare eligibility manual. Maine.gov.
Maryland Department of Health. Home and Community-Based Options Waiver.
Mass.gov. Moving Forward Plan (MFP) Waivers.
Ageways Nonprofit Senior Services. (2025, March 13). Michigan raises asset caps on long-term care programs.
Minnesota Department of Human Services. (2024, March). Elderly waiver services in assisted living: What you need to know.
Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Assisted Living Waiver.
Missouri Department of Social Services Manuals & Memos. Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) manual.
Missouri Department of Social Services. Aged and disabled waiver.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Community services for seniors and people with disabilities.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Services on the Aged and Disabled Waiver.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid and long-term care.
Nevada Medicaid. Waiver for the frail elderly.
New Hampshire Care Collaborative. Choices for independence.
State of New Jersey Department of Human Services. Medicaid managed long term services and supports (MLTSS).
New Mexico Aging Services. Home and community-based waiver FAQs.
New Mexico Human Services Department. (2025, January). New Mexico medical assistance programs: Eligibility categories.
New York State Department of Health. (2014, August). Assisted living program.
American Council on Aging. (2025, March 2). New York Medicaid Assisted Living Program: Benefits, eligibility & how to apply.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, December). State-County Special Assistance.
North Dakota Health and Human Services. Home and community-based long term care.
Ohio Department of Aging. Assisted living.
Oklahoma Human Services. Advantage waiver.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon. Long-term services and supports.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Community HealthChoices.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly).
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services State of Rhode Island. Healthcare for older adults.
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Community Choices waiver.
South Dakota Department of Human Services. HOPE waiver.
Division of TennCare. CHOICES.
Texas Health and Human Services. STAR+PLUS.
Utah Department of Health. Long term care.
Vermont Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Adult Services Division. Choices for Care Program.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Adult Protective Services. Adult services.
Washington State Health Care Authority. Medicaid personal care.
Washington D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living. Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Waiver. DC.gov.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare Personal Care Services program.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2025, April 22). Family Care: benefits.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2025, April 22). IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct).
Wyoming Department of Health. (2024). Community Choices Waiver: Participant Handbook.
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