Assisted Living in Huntsville, AL

Assisted Living Costs in Huntsville

Per Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, the monthly cost of assisted living in Huntsville is comparable to other Alabama cities such as Decatur ($3,404) and Mobile ($3,424). It’s also about $200 per month above the state median cost of $3,217 and $500 below the national average of $4,000. The lowest assisted living rates in Alabama are found in Gadsden ($2,075), and the most expensive are in Montgomery, where costs average $3,992 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

While location is a contributing factor in the cost of senior care in Huntsville, the level of care, where it’s received and the extent of services provided also play a significant role. Adult day health services in a care center on weekdays are the least costly option, while nursing home care that offers 24-hour skilled services is the most expensive. Assisted living rates fall in between, as do costs for homemaker and home health aide services.

To compare the cost of in-home options and assisted living accurately, seniors need to keep in mind that residential facility fees typically include room and board. Those receiving care at home are still responsible for household operating expenses such as food, utilities, property taxes and upkeep.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Huntsville

Medicaid in Alabama

Alabama provides necessary health care coverage to low-income residents through Medicaid, the jointly funded state and federal program that serves over 72 million nationwide. Medicaid covers 1 in 5 Alabama residents, who receive a range of services, including inpatient and outpatient hospital care, doctor and specialist visits, prescription drugs and lab and X-ray services.

Those aged 65 and older, blind or disabled can qualify for regular Medicaid coverage if they have a monthly income below $791 and total available resources of less than $2,000 per individual or $3,000 per married couple.

Alabama Medicaid also covers long-term nursing home care for those who receive supplemental security income or have an income of less than $2,313 per month and a maximum of $2,000 in available resources.

All income counts for Medicaid purposes, but resources may be deemed available or exempt. Available or countable resources include cash, bank account balances, stocks and bonds and other investments. Exempt resources include a primary home, life insurance with a maximum face value of $5,000, one vehicle and personal effects, including jewelry.

Interested seniors can learn more about Alabama Medicaid services and how to apply by calling (800) 362-1504.

Alabama Community Transition Waiver

Individuals with a disability or suffering from a chronic illness and currently living in a nursing home may qualify for the Community Transition waiver. The purpose of the waiver is to lower the cost of care by transitioning these individuals back to their home or an assisted living community. For those approved, the waiver covers the cost of transitioning, case management and other services, which may include:

• Assistance with personal care
• Skilled nursing services
• Necessary medical appliances, equipment and supplies
• Assistive technology
• Adult day health care services

To qualify medically, a senior must be physically and cognitively capable of residing outside a nursing home with waiver-covered services and supports. Seniors eligible for Medicaid or SSI benefits meet the program’s financial requirements. Those with disabilities who have a monthly income below $2,313 may also qualify. It’s important to note that participation in the ACT waiver program is limited statewide, and there may be a waiting list for an available slot.

To apply for this waiver, seniors can contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services or call the local Area Agency on Aging at (256) 830-0818.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Alabama seniors with limited income and few resources who are eligible for the federal Supplemental Security Income program may also qualify for a monthly state supplemental payment. This additional benefit can provide up to $60 per person to put toward the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility.

Seniors can apply for SSI and Alabama OSS benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Huntsville senior veterans and their surviving spouses who currently receive or are eligible for a standard VA pension may qualify for a monthly top-up payment through the Aid and Attendance program. Those who receive a disability pension aren’t eligible for this benefit, but others who meet one of these criteria may qualify:

• Have limited vision of 5/200 or worse in both eyes with correction
• Require help performing activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating and toileting
• Be confined to bed due to chronic illness or disability
• Be visually impaired due to concentric contraction of the visual field to five degrees or less

To learn more about A&A benefits or receive help navigating the program’s complex application process, veterans can contact the Madison County Veterans Service Office at (256) 532-1662.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Area seniors who are experiencing a short-term lack of funds to cover the costs associated with moving to an assisted living facility may qualify for a bridge loan. These loans from Elderlife Financial are specifically designed to provide seniors with money to cover entrance fees, rent and other costs related to a transition to assisted living.

Elderlife bridge loans have no out-of-pocket costs or application fees and offer repayment terms of up to 24 months. This flexibility allows seniors plenty of time to secure long-term funding sources, such as government or long-term care insurance benefits or proceeds from selling a home or other assets. The application process may take as little as 15 minutes, and approval and access to a line of credit or lump sum often take just one business day.

For more information or to apply for a bridge loan, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Huntsville

Area Agency on Aging

The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments is the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Madison County. The agency offers advocacy and assistance identifying available federal, state and local programs and services, so Huntsville seniors can live independently and safely in the community. Through the AAA, local seniors may also receive guidance on health insurance benefits, transportation services and legal assistance.

TARCOG Area Agency on Aging
5075 Research Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 830-0818

Senior Center

Huntsville residents aged 60 and over qualify for free membership at the Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center. The center offers a nutritious weekday lunch program, educational and fitness classes and a wide range of activities that include Scrabble, bridge, pool and a variety of creative arts and crafts. The center’s health room, which is staffed by registered nurses, provides blood pressure and glucose screenings, Medicare counseling, routine first aid and free loans of wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment.

Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center
2200 Drake Ave. SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 880-7080

Resources for Veterans

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Madison County Service Office provides advice and help filing and processing applications for benefits and entitlement claims as well as assistance with a variety of civil legal matters. Primary and mental health care, optometry, audiology, pharmacy and radiology services are available at the Huntsville VA outpatient clinic.

Madison County Veterans Service Office
115-B Washington St., Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-1662

Huntsville VA Outpatient Clinic
500 Markaview Dr., NW Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 533-8477