Paying for assisted living in Oregon
Most Oregon families begin by paying for assisted living privately, using savings, retirement income, the proceeds from selling a home, a long-term care insurance policy, or help from family. Costs vary widely depending on the community, the region of the state, and how much help a resident needs day to day. You can see current pricing for communities in the pricing tables below.
If private funds are limited, Oregon does have a Medicaid pathway that can help pay for the care portion of assisted living, and certain veterans benefits may help as well. Planning early gives you the most options.
Does the Oregon Health Plan (K Plan) cover assisted living in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon's Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan, can help pay for assisted living care services through the K Plan (Community First Choice) and the Aged and Physically Disabled waiver. These programs cover services such as help with bathing, dressing, mobility, and medications in an assisted living or memory care setting.
What Medicaid will not pay is room and board. You remain responsible for rent and meals, though Oregon limits how much a facility can charge a Medicaid resident for those costs.
To qualify, a person generally must:
- Be 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability
- Meet a medical need for an institutional level of care
- Fall within Medicaid income and asset limits
You can apply online at ONE.Oregon.gov, by phone, or through your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). Not every community accepts Medicaid, so ask before you commit.
Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living room and board or for ongoing custodial (personal) care, which is the heart of what assisted living provides.
Medicare may still help with related medical needs, including:
- Doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs
- Short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay
- Medicare-covered home health or hospice services
For free, unbiased help understanding Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplement plans, contact Oregon's SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance) program.
