Paying for assisted living in New York
Most families in New York pay for assisted living privately at first, using a mix of retirement income, savings, pensions, the proceeds of selling a home, and sometimes long-term care insurance. Costs vary widely depending on the region, the size of the apartment, and how much care a resident needs. You can see current pricing for specific communities in the pricing tables below.
Because monthly costs add up, it helps to understand which public programs can offset the care portion of the bill before you commit.
Does the Assisted Living Program (ALP) cover assisted living in New York?
New York's Medicaid pathway for assisted living is the Assisted Living Program (ALP). Medicaid never pays for the room-and-board portion of assisted living, but through the ALP it can cover the care and services delivered in a participating, licensed assisted living residence.
A few things to know about the ALP:
- It serves people who need a nursing-home level of care but can be safely cared for in a residence, and who cannot remain at home.
- Residents generally cannot require continual skilled nursing or be permanently bedfast.
- It is offered only in residences that are specifically approved as ALP sites, and the number of slots is limited statewide.
- Room and board is paid separately, often partly offset by a state supplement (SSI) for eligible residents.
Eligibility is based on both medical need and Medicaid's income and asset limits. To apply, contact your Local Department of Social Services or NY State of Health; an assisted living residence that participates in the ALP can also help you start the process.
Does Medicare cover assisted living in New York?
No. Medicare does not pay for room and board or for the ongoing personal care (help with bathing, dressing, medications, and supervision) that defines assisted living. Medicare may cover related medical services a resident needs, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay.
For free, unbiased help understanding what Medicare does and does not cover, New Yorkers can contact HIICAP (the Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program), New York's federally designated Medicare counseling program, at 1-800-701-0501.
