Cost drivers to estimate
- State, city, neighborhood, and facility type
- Studio, shared, one-bedroom, or memory-care room
- Base rent, care-level fees, medication management, and personal care fees
- Move-in fees, community fees, deposits, transportation, meals, laundry, and supplies
Coverage questions
- Medicare generally does not pay assisted living room and board.
- Medicaid waiver help is state-specific and may not cover room and board.
- Long-term care insurance, VA benefits, private pay, and family contribution may matter.
- Ask for a written fee schedule before comparing communities.
Tour questions
- What triggers a higher care level?
- What is included in the base rate?
- What services are billed separately?
- What happens if memory care, skilled nursing, or hospital transfer is needed?
Questions to ask
What is the all-in monthly estimate after care-level fees?
How often are care levels reassessed?
Does the community accept Medicaid waiver residents?
What is private-pay only?
What fees are due before move-in?