Assisted Living in Alaska

Alaska Medicaid never pays the room-and-board cost of assisted living, but the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver can help pay for care services in a licensed assisted living home. The waiver is for adults 21 and older who need a nursing-facility level of care and who qualify for Medicaid financially. Because slots are limited, a waiting list can form, so it's best to start the assessment process early through an Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Costs vary considerably by region and by the level of care a resident needs, so prices in Anchorage can differ from those in Fairbanks or smaller communities. Most families pay privately at first using savings, retirement income, Social Security, and sometimes the Permanent Fund Dividend. See the pricing tables below for current figures by area.

Assisted living homes provide housing, meals, supervision, and help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medications in a residential setting. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide a higher level of medical and nursing care for people with more complex health needs. The ALI Waiver is designed for people who meet a nursing-facility level of care but prefer to live in the community.

The Alaskans Living Independently Waiver is for adults 21 and older who meet Alaska Medicaid's financial eligibility rules and who are assessed as needing a nursing-facility level of care. Eligibility is determined through a state assessment by the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. An Aging and Disability Resource Center can help you start the screening and application.

Alaska's Department of Health, Division of Health Care Services licenses and inspects assisted living homes through its Residential Licensing unit. You can view the state's current list of licensed homes on the official assisted living licensing page, and inspection and complaint records are public. You can also contact Residential Licensing directly at 907-334-2400 to ask about a specific home.

No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living room and board or for the ongoing custodial care most residents need. It may still cover related medical care such as doctor visits, short-term skilled nursing or rehab after a qualifying hospital stay, and home health or hospice when eligible. For free help comparing your Medicare options, contact Alaska's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) through the Alaska Medicare Information Office.