Assisted Living in El Dorado Hills, CA

Assisted Living Costs in El Dorado Hills

Seniors who reside in assisted living residences in El Dorado Hills pay an average of $4,473 per month for their care. According to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey, this is $473 more than what assisted living costs in the average U.S. city and just slightly below the median cost for the state of California. Assisted living costs in the Los Angeles area are similar at an average of $4,500 per month, while in areas such as San Francisco ($5,500), Napa ($5,425) and Santa Cruz ($5,595), the average cost of assisted living is considerably higher. Seniors who are looking for a location with less expensive assisted living costs should consider cities such as Modesto ($3,200) or Bakersfield ($3,150). 

Note: Specific data regarding the cost of senior care isn’t available for El Dorado Hills. Data for Sacramento, the nearest major city, has been used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Seniors who need round-the-clock care may choose to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility. For those who require advanced nursing care, a nursing home may be the only option. Of course, the level of care provided in each of these settings varies and, as such, so does the cost. In El Dorado Hills, assisted living is the least expensive type of 24-hour care, while nursing home care is the most expensive at $8,517 per month. Home care services range from $4,767 to $4,957 per month, which is just slightly more costly than assisted living. Those who are concerned about their budget should also consider that assisted living costs typically include room and board, while home care costs are strictly based on service. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in El Dorado Hills

Medicaid in California

In California, Medicaid goes by the name Medi-Cal. It’s administered by the state of California and receives support from the federal government. Medi-Cal helps low-income Californians access health care, including primary care, hospital services, nursing care, prescription medications and other services such as holistic and chiropractic care. Many seniors citizens in California access health care via the Medi-Cal system. 

To qualify for coverage as a senior citizen, applicants must be at least 65 years old. Seniors are also required to meet the following financial requirements: 

• Individuals are limited to a monthly income of $1,242 and $2,000 in countable assets
• Married applicants are limited to a monthly income of $1,682 and $3,000 in countable assets

While Medi-Cal counts all income sources, asset limitations exclude the applicant’s home, vehicle and personal belongings. 

California’s Medi-Cal spend-down program may help some seniors who don’t meet these financial requirements to access Medi-Cal. The program allows those with high medical bills to use their excess income to pay for their health expenses before counting their income toward the program’s eligibility requirements. 

To apply for Medi-Cal, seniors can complete an application online or contact Covered California at (800) 300-1506. 

Assisted Living Waiver

The Medi-Cal Assisted Living waiver helps Medi-Cal-eligible seniors pay for the cost of assisted living, which isn’t covered under the state plan. It pays for the cost of services provided in licensed assisted living facilities as well as nonmedical transportation and transitional costs for seniors who are moving from a nursing care facility. Seniors who participate in the Assisted Living waiver must pay for their own room and board. 

To qualify for this waiver, seniors must be fully eligible for the state Medi-Cal plan with zero share of cost. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and require a level of care that’s similar to what’s provided by nursing facilities. While this waiver covers the cost of care for all California residents, it doesn’t cover assisted living in the entire state. Therefore, seniors who apply must be willing to relocate to an assisted living facility in one of the following counties, many of which are located near El Dorado Hills: 

• Alameda
• Contra Costa
• Fresno
• Kern
• Los Angeles
• Orange
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• San Joaquin
• San Mateo
• Santa Clara
• Sonoma

Seniors living in El Dorado Hills can apply for the Assisted Living waiver by contacting Star Nursing, Inc. in Folsom at (916) 542-1445. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplemental Payment

In California, the state supplements low-income residents who receive SSI with the State Supplemental Payment. Beneficiaries receive this payment once per month with their SSI check. The amount of the benefit is based on the recipient’s living situation and marital status. The maximum payout for an individual recipient is $423.37 per month. 

To be eligible for this benefit, seniors must be SSI beneficiaries or qualify for SSI payments. Those who are enrolled in Medi-Cal automatically qualify for the SSP. 

For more information, seniors can visit any Social Security Administration office or call (800) 772-1213. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies cover the cost of care in assisted living or nursing care facilities. Typically, a policy must be purchased before the need for long-term care exists and while the purchaser is in reasonably good health. Although policies differ depending on the provider and the plan, usually, seniors are required to pay a portion of their costs out of pocket and submit a claim to their insurance provider to be reimbursed for the remainder. 

Elderlife Financial Services works with senior citizens to help them understand their long-term care insurance policies and offers assistance with the claims process to those who need it. Seniors looking for help with their long-term care insurance can contact Elderlife at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills Senior Center

The Ramona Gilmore Senior Center is open to seniors aged 50 and older. The facility offers a library and computer center that are both free for members to use. Seniors can enjoy a nutritious hot lunch at the center every weekday for a small donation. Low-cost classes are offered outside of regular business hours and include one-on-one computer classes, fitness classes and art classes. 

Ramona Gilmore Senior Center
990 Lassen Ln., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 358-3575

Veterans Affairs

The El Dorado County Veterans Affairs office helps veterans and their surviving spouses to obtain benefits from state and federal veterans’ benefits programs. Some of the benefits veterans can apply for at this office include pension, disability, burial and health insurance. 

El Dorado County Veterans Affairs Office
130 Placerville Dr. Suite B, Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-0533

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging serves El Dorado County’s senior population by providing them with access to local and state resources and assistance programs. It administers and oversees programs for residents aged 60 and older including Alzheimer’s support groups, counseling services, health insurance counseling and advocacy, and a senior shuttle service. 

Area Agency on Aging/Older Adult Services
937 Spring St., Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-6150