290 Assisted Living Communities in King County, Washington
The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,750 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 290 Assisted Living Communities in King County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in King County, WA
Assisted Living: $5,750
Nursing Home Care: $9,243
In-Home Care: $6,092
Adult Day Health Services: $1,317
Assisted Living Facilities near King County, Washington
Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study reviewed senior care costs nationwide. The study shows that prices for assisted living in King County are $1,750 higher than the national average of $4,000 and $615 higher than the state average of $5,135. Prices are similar in nearby Bremerton ($5,720) but lower in areas north of King County, such as Mount Vernon ($5,125) and Bellingham ($4,250).
Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for King County, so data for Seattle, the county seat, was used.
Care Cost Comparison
King County has some of the highest senior care costs in the country due to the Seattle area’s exceptionally high real estate prices and cost of living. According to Kiplinger, the cost of living in Seattle is 54.8% higher than the national average. King County also has a Living Wage Ordinance, which impacts senior care worker wages and the cost of senior services as well. Nursing home care in King County costs nearly $3,500 more per month than assisted living, while in-home senior care options such as homemaker services or a home health aide are slightly more expensive. When comparing different care options, it’s important to understand that residential care services for seniors include room and board, which can represent significant savings in an expensive area such as King County.
Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in King County
Medicaid in Washington
Medicaid, the nationwide health insurance program for low-income children, adults and the elderly, provides free basic health coverage to 22% of Washington state residents.
Washington’s Medicaid program, also known as Apple Health, is managed by the Washington State Health Care Authority. Low-income adults age 64 and younger automatically qualify for Modified Adjusted Gross Income Apple Health coverage if they have a monthly income of $1,384 or less when applying as an individual or $1,874 for households with two adults. These limits are based on 133% of the federal poverty level and subject to change.
Seniors age 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits and own less than $2,000 per individual or $3,000 per couple in countable resources may qualify for Categorically Needy Apple Health coverage. Those who earn less than the current SSI rate qualify for the no-cost Apple Health for the Aged program.
Seniors with incomes that exceed the limits for CN coverage may qualify for Apple Health under the Medically Needy category, which requires that applicants spend down their excess income on medical expenses for a base period of either three or six months.
COPES is a Home- and Community-Based Services waiver program for seniors 65 and older who require assistance with at least two activities of daily living, such as bathing, moving around their environment, eating, ostomy care or managing their medication.
COPES pays for medically necessary care services that help seniors stay in an assisted living facility in order to reduce nursing home placements in the state. These services may include case management, help with personal care, a personal emergency response system and skilled nursing care.
To be eligible for COPES, seniors may earn no more than $2,313 per month and own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets, which include cash, investments and all real estate except for a principal residence. These limits are somewhat flexible and applicants with high, ongoing medical expenses may be accepted for COPES even if their income exceeds the eligibility limits.
There are statewide enrollment caps for the COPES waiver, and seniors who are accepted may be placed on a waiting list. To learn more about COPES, contact King County Home and Community Services at (206) 341-7600.
Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living
State Supplemental Payment
Seniors 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits qualify for a monthly SSI cash top-up of $40 through the Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration.
PACE is a voluntary managed care program for Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible adults age 55 and older who require the level of care normally provided in a nursing home. The program uses both Medicare and Medicaid benefits to secure medically needed acute and long-term care services to delay or prevent nursing home placement.
King County is home to five PACE sites. To be eligible, seniors must live within a site coverage area as determined by their zip code.
PACE participants are eligible for Medicaid-covered services and any additional services their PACE interdisciplinary case management team deems necessary to prevent nursing home placement. These may include personal care services, prescription medications, transportation to medical appointments and access to on-site medical specialists.
Senior Activity Centers and Community Aid Agencies
There are 35 senior centers located throughout King County where seniors can join in exercise classes, make new friends over a game of cards, sign up for escorted day trips and enjoy a low-cost lunch. Many of these centers also offer free health-screening clinics, medical equipment loans, depression management groups and help finding local senior resources.
Seniors qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit for all public transit systems in King County, including the Washington State Ferries and King County Water Taxi. Additionally, all public buses in the county are wheelchair accessible.
Veterans can access health care services through the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division. For assistance with VA benefits including the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance, contact the King County Veterans Program or the West Seattle Veteran Center.
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