Provo Senior AdvisorDoes Medicare pay for assisted living in Utah County?
No. Medicare does not pay assisted living rent or personal care, though it can pay for medical services, home health and hospice a resident receives there.
See what Medicare covers for the details.
Will Utah Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Utah Medicaid does not pay assisted living rent, but the New Choices Waiver can pay for services in a licensed assisted living facility for eligible residents, who pay room and board from their own income.
Not every building accepts waiver residents; ask directly.
What is the Medicaid asset limit in Utah?
Utah's aged, blind and disabled Medicaid program allows $2,000 in countable resources for one person and $3,000 for a couple, under R414-305-3.
A home and one vehicle are generally excluded; an elder law attorney can review specifics.
Can long-term care insurance help in Utah County?
Yes, if a policy exists: most long-term care insurance policies pay for assisted living, home care and nursing homes once the insured person meets the policy's benefit triggers, usually needing help with two daily activities or having cognitive impairment.
Find the policy early and call the insurer to start the claim before a move.
How do veterans pay for care in Utah County?
Eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses can receive VA Aid and Attendance, up to $29,093 a year for a veteran with no dependents in the current rate period, and veterans may use MAG's Veterans Directed program.
The state veterans home in Payson is another option for eligible veterans.
Is there free help with Medicare in Utah County?
Yes. MAG's SHIP Medicare counselors give free, unbiased help with plans and coverage problems at 801-229-3819.
Set up a Medicare.gov account before the appointment.
How long do savings typically last in Utah County assisted living?
Divide available savings by the monthly gap between income and the full assisted living bill: at Utah's $5,233 median and a $2,000 monthly income, $150,000 in savings lasts a little under four years, before care-level increases.
Run the numbers with real quotes, and revisit them every year, because rates and care levels usually rise.
Does Utah have a program that pays family caregivers?
Some Utah waiver programs allow self-directed services in which a participant can hire certain relatives, but MAG notes that paid caregiver opportunities through its programs are extremely limited and pay little.
Ask MAG's options counselors (801-229-3804) what is possible in your situation.
Quick facts
| Pays for | Does not pay for | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | Rehab, home health, hospice | Assisted living rent |
| Utah Medicaid | Nursing home care; waiver services | Room and board in assisted living |
| Source | Utah rules, DLBC, DHHS, MAG and federal pages | Legal, medical or financial advice |
