10 Assisted Living Communities in Johnson City, Tennessee

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,875 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 10 Assisted Living Communities in Johnson City and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Johnson City, TN

• Assisted Living: $3,875
• Nursing Home Care: $6,403
• In-home Care: $3,718
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,083

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study makes it easy to compare assisted living prices in different locales. It shows that the $3,875 average monthly rate paid in Johnson City is a bit lower than the state ($3,920) and national ($4,000) averages. Rates here are considerably less than in some Tennessee cities, such as Nashville ($4,500), Kingsport ($4,179) and Knoxville ($4,033). However, compared to other cities, including Morristown ($3,250) and Chattanooga ($3,018), seniors here pay about $600 to $800 more per month.

The type and level of care and where it’s provided have a major impact on monthly senior care rates in any given location. This is easily seen by the $2,500 higher average cost of nursing home care in Johnson City compared to assisted living and in-home services. This price difference is directly related to the higher level of care that’s provided around-the-clock in nursing homes. Local monthly rates for homemaker and home health aide services are just about on par with those of assisted living. To accurately assess these costs, seniors should remember that assisted living prices typically include room and board, while in-home care rates cover services only. Rent or mortgage payments, maintenance, food and utility bills must still be paid when choosing in-home care. 

 

Medicaid is the nation’s largest health insurance program and was introduced specifically to serve low-income Americans, including pregnant women, families with young children, those who are blind or disabled and the elderly. Although jointly funded, Medicaid is regulated by the federal government and administered by each state.

In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare and provides coverage for one in five state residents. Those who meet the eligibility requirements receive a range of medically necessary services, including physician and specialist care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, preventive services, diagnostic tests and community-based and institutional long-term care.

To be eligible for long-term care coverage, Johnson City residents must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens and aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. Each applicant must also meet TennCare’s financial and functional requirements:

• Have a maximum income of 300% of the federal benefit rate, which is $2,313 per person per month
• Have no more than $2,000 per person in countable resources
• Be assessed as needing a nursing facility level of care

TennCare considers income from every source but excludes some resources, such as a principal residence, personal and household effects, one car and irrevocable burial trusts.

Those who are over the income limit may reach the necessary threshold by establishing an irrevocable Qualified Income Trust. Excess income must be deposited into the QIT each month and can only be used for medical and long-term care expenses.

Married applicants with excess income and assets may still qualify for TennCare if their spouse doesn’t need coverage. A non-applicant spouse can keep to up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and $126,540 of the couple’s joint assets as living and resource allowances.

Johnson City seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage online through TennCare Connect or by calling (855) 259-0701.

CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports Waiver

TennCare offers the CHOICES waiver program to limit nursing home admissions and allow seniors and disabled adults to remain in the community. To qualify applicants must:

• Meet Medicaid’s residency and financial requirements
• Be assessed as needing a nursing home level of care
• Be at risk of nursing home placement if assistance isn’t provided

Depending on a participant’s assessed needs and preferences, they may receive services and supports at home, in an adult care home or an assisted living facility. The waiver doesn’t cover room-and-board fees, but it does cover a number of benefits such as:

• Adult day health services
• Personal or attendant care to complete activities of daily living
• Medication management
• Personal emergency response systems
• Respite care
• Transportation
• Assistive technologies
• Benefits counseling

Due to statewide waiver enrollment caps, applicants may be placed on a waiting list before receiving services. Once enrolled in the CHOICE program, seniors also receive primary care, acute care and behavioral health services through a TennCare Managed Care Organization.

To learn more or apply for the CHOICES waiver, seniors in Johnson City can call the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability at (866) 836-6678.

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

Area veterans or their surviving spouses presently receiving a VA pension may be eligible for a monthly top-up payment through the Aid and Attendance program. To qualify, applicants must require assistance with activities of daily living, be legally blind, be bedridden or reside in a nursing home because of a chronic illness or other impairment.

Applicants must have been honorably discharged after serving a minimum of 90 days active duty, with at least one occurring during wartime. Those already receiving VA disability benefits aren’t eligible for this program.

For help filing an A&A benefit application, senior veterans can contact the local Washington County Veterans Service Officer at (423) 753-1628 to schedule an appointment.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors planning a move to assisted living who are temporarily short on funds may find an Elderlife Financial bridge loan an ideal solution. These loans are offered for a maximum term of 12 months, which is typically ample time for a home to sell or Social Security, VA or other benefits to kick in. They’re structured as a line of credit that can be drawn on as needed and have no application fees or out-of-pocket borrowing costs. The application and approval process is quick and easy, and seniors can schedule direct payments to their chosen facility to cover move-in fees and monthly rent charges.

To learn more or apply for a bridge loan, Johnson City seniors should contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

The First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability provides an array of resources to help Johnson City seniors maintain their independence and a high quality of life. The agency’s information and assistance center helps older residents and their families access essential health and social service resources. The center’s trained specialists prescreen callers for eligibility and connect them with local county and state programs and services that best match their needs. FTAAAD Information and Assistance Center
3211 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 928-3258

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