5 Assisted Living Communities in Calvert County, Maryland

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,900 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 5 Assisted Living Communities in Calvert County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $5,900
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $7,756
• In-home care: $3,909
• Adult day health services: $1,733

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Calvert County ($5,900) exceeds the state ($4,673) and the national ($4,000) averages by more than $1,000. While Calvert County costs are among the highest in the state, other regions, such as Salisbury ($5,315) and Hagerstown ($5,045) are comparable. Costs tend to be more affordable in areas such as Baltimore ($4,250) and Cumberland ($3,650).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Calvert County, so data for the closest city, California, was used.

The cost of senior care is primarily driven by the type of care needed. This holds true in Calvert County, where costs vary greatly depending on whether seniors opt for in-home solutions or community-based solutions. Nursing home care is the most expensive, with the average monthly cost of a semi-private room ($7,756) or a private room ($8,060) exceeding all other care options. In-home care costs, including homemaker services ($3,909) and home health aides ($3,909), are comparatively inexpensive, as are the costs of adult day care ($1,733). Assisted living costs ($5,900) split the difference. While these averages offer a good overview of long-term care costs in Calvert County, however, they can’t account for additional expenses. Seniors who live in assisted living facilities, for example, may have fewer monthly expenses than seniors who live at home and hire a personal aide. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,900

• Homemaker services: $3,909

• Home health aide: $3,909

• Adult day health: $1,733

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,756

Maryland’s Medicaid program provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible seniors in Calvert County. Qualified individuals receive a variety of benefits from Medicaid and their Managed Care Organization (MCO). Medicaid covers services, such as emergency medical transportation, diabetes care services, clinic services, hospice care, medical equipment and supplies, mental health treatment, physical therapy and personal care services. 

To receive Medicaid coverage, Calvert County seniors must meet the state’s eligibility requirements. They must be current residents of Maryland and a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. Maryland counties have different income limits for applicants over 65, and Calvert County seniors should contact their local Department of Human Services for the exact requirements. The state’s standard income limits can be used as a guideline, however; the annual income limit for individuals is $16,612 and $22,490 for couples. If seniors receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they automatically qualify for Medicaid.   

Once accepted into the Medicaid program, seniors receive an insurance card in the mail and asked to select a Managed Care Organization (MCO). These organizations cover basic services, including doctor visits, prescription drugs and hospital services, and each have a specific network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. In Calvert County, available MCOs include Aetna Better Health, Amerigroup Community Care, Kaiser Permanente, Maryland Physicians Care, Priority Partners and University of Maryland Health Partners.

Maryland’s Medicaid program does not cover assisted living costs. Seniors who need financial assistance for assisted living fees will need to apply to one of Maryland’s waiver programs. 

Home and Community-Based Options Waiver

The Home and Community-Based Options Waiver helps older adults live comfortably in a home or community-based setting. The available waiver services include assisted living, Senior Center Plus, case management, dietitian and nutritionist services and behavioral consultation.

To receive assistance, seniors must require a nursing home level of care and be financially eligible for medical assistance. Depending on their eligibility category, applicants cannot exceed countable asset limits of $2,000 or $2,500. 

This program is part of the state’s Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Seniors who receive LTSS Personal Assistance Services can review their history, eligibility or plans via the MyLTSS website.

If Calvert County seniors have questions about the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver, they can call Maryland Access Point at 1 (844) 627-5465.

Increased Community Services Waiver

Calvert County seniors currently living in nursing homes may be eligible for the Increased Community Services (ICS) waiver. The ICS facilitates transitions between nursing homes and home and community-based environments. It covers assisted living costs (not room and board), as well as personal assistance services, supports planning, assistive technology and nurse monitoring. 

This waiver is designed for seniors whose incomes exceed the limits for the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver. To be financially eligible, seniors must meet asset limits ($2,000 or $2,500) and contribute any income over 300% of SSI to their care costs. To meet the medical requirements, they must need a nursing home level of care, and to meet the technical requirements, they must be residing in a nursing home facility for three months or more prior to application.

For more information, Seniors can apply for Medicaid via the myDHR website. They can also download and complete an application, or request an application from their local Department of Human Services. Seniors can call the Maryland Health Center support at 1 (855) 642-8572.

Maryland Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program

The Maryland Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program offers policies backed by the state of Maryland and private insurance companies. All long-term care policies sold meet specific state and federal guidelines. The benefit to partnership policies — especially for seniors who may be eligible for Medicaid — is that they provide policy holders with asset protection. 

To purchase a partnership plan, seniors can contact the Maryland Insurance Administration by calling (800) 492-6116. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Bridge loans can help Calvert County seniors pay for assisted living costs. These loans are designed for seniors who are transitioning to community living and need extra resources to cover a funding gap. By applying for a bridge loan with Elderlife Financial Services, seniors can quickly access funds via line of credit or lump-sum payments. To apply for a bridge loan, seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits for Veterans

Calvert County veterans who meet certain guidelines may be eligible for an increase in their monthly pension. The two allowances, Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound, are available to veterans who exceed the income limits for the basic pension.

To be eligible for the Aid & Attendance pension amount, seniors must meet one of these criteria:

• Require the aid of another person

• Be bedridden

• Live in a nursing home due to incapacity

• Have an eyesight of 5/200 or less in both eyes

To be eligible for the Housebound pension amount, seniors must be confined to their home due to a permanent disability, which doesn’t have to relate to military service.

Seniors who want to apply for these pension increases should contact the Baltimore Regional Office by calling (800) 446-4926, ext. 6450.

The Calvert County Office on Aging connects local seniors with many benefits and services, ranging from pharmacy assistance to energy assistance. Seniors and caregivers can contact the office for social services, recreation services and legal assistance.  Calvert County Office on Aging
450 W. Dares Beach Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
(410) 535-4606

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is an assisted living community/nursing home in Calvert County. This facility admits aging veterans and eligible spouses, and it provides medical care, transportation, activities and other services. It also runs an outpatient clinic that helps veterans in need of primary care services. 

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
(301) 884-8171

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.