Quick answer
Medicaid may help pay for the care part of assisted living (help with bathing, dressing and medications) for people who qualify financially and medically, usually through a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver. It generally doesn't pay room and board, so your parent still pays rent from income. Not every community accepts Medicaid. In Kansas the program is KanCare; in Missouri, MO HealthNet. (800) 614-8388 and we'll help you find communities that work with Medicaid.
How Medicaid helps with assisted living
- Care services, not rent. Waivers typically pay for personal care. The resident pays room and board, often from Social Security or a pension.
- You must qualify twice: financially (income and assets under state limits) and medically (needing a level of care the state sets).
- Waivers can have waiting lists. Apply early.
- Only some communities participate. Ask each community directly whether it accepts Medicaid, and whether a resident who runs out of money can stay.
Kansas: KanCare
In Kansas, Medicaid is KanCare. Help for older adults in assisted living is through the Frail Elderly (FE) waiver, run with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). See senior living in Kansas for the current waiver details and where to apply.
Missouri: MO HealthNet
In Missouri, Medicaid is MO HealthNet. Help for older adults in assisted living and residential care facilities comes through state programs and waivers coordinated with the Department of Health and Senior Services. See senior living in Missouri for current details.
Medicaid and the family home
Medicaid rules on homes, spouses and asset transfers are detailed and differ by state. Medicaid reviews transfers made in the years before applying. Before moving money or property, talk with your Area Agency on Aging or an elder law attorney. We explain options; we don't advise on qualifying.
What to do next
- Call your Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or Johnson County Aging and Human Services or MARC on the Missouri side.
- Ask for a Medicaid long-term care screening.
- Make a list of communities that accept Medicaid in your area. We can help.
- Plan how room and board will be paid.
Looking for communities that accept Medicaid?
We'll tell you which ones near you work with KanCare or MO HealthNet. Free.
Questions families ask
Does Medicaid pay for room and board in assisted living?
Generally no. Medicaid waivers usually pay for care services; the resident pays room and board.
Does every assisted living community accept Medicaid?
No. Many don't, and some limit the number of Medicaid residents. Ask each community.
What if my parent runs out of money in assisted living?
Ask before moving in whether the community accepts Medicaid and lets residents stay after converting from private pay.
Is there a waiting list?
Waiver programs can have waiting lists. Check the current status with your state agency or Area Agency on Aging.