Assisted Living in Oceanside, CA

Assisted Living Costs in Oceanside

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, seniors living in Oceanside pay an average of $4,500 per month for assisted living. This price is on par with California’s state median and $500 higher than the national average. The cost in Los Angeles is similar to what seniors in Oceanside pay for assisted living, while Santa Cruz ($5,595) assisted living costs are higher than anywhere else in the state. Those looking to pay a lower rate can consider facilities in Modesto ($3,200) or Bakersfield ($3,150), where costs are the lowest in the state. 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Oceanside, so data for the closest city, San Diego, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior living differs drastically depending on the type of service required. Adult day health services, which doesn’t provide round-the-clock care, cost nearly $3,000 less than assisted living and home care services. While nursing home care, which does provides 24-hour skilled nursing, costs approximately $4,000 to $4,200 more than assisted living and home health services.

Although home care services appear substantially less expensive than nursing home care, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many additional costs that those living at home are required to pay, including rent, utilities, general home upkeep and groceries. While none of these expenses are included in the cost of home care, they’re typically included in the cost of assisted living and nursing home care. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oceanside

Medicaid in California

Medi-Cal is California’s state Medicaid program. It’s a state-run program that’s required to operate within parameters that are set by the federal government. Medi-Cal and its various programs help low-income Californians of all ages access safe medical services and prescription medications. There are many senior citizens throughout California who require the assistance of Medicaid to access primary care, hospital services and diagnostic services, as well as prescription medications and necessary medical devices.

To be eligible for the state Medi-Cal plan as a senior citizen, applicants must be at least 65 years of age and meet the following financial requirements: 

• Single applicants can earn a maximum of $1,242 per month and have no more than $2,000 in countable assets
• Married applicants can earn a maximum of $1,692 per month and have no more than $3,000 in countable assets

All sources of income, including retirement accounts, pensions and social security, are counted toward eligibility. Some assets are exempt, including the applicant’s home, a single vehicle, burial plots and personal belongings. 

Applicants who don’t meet the program’s financial requirements may still be eligible for coverage if their medical expenses are unusually high. The Medi-Cal spend-down program allows these individuals to pay down their medical bills with part of their income before counting it toward eligibility requirements. It’s advised that any senior accessing Medicaid through a spend-down program should work with a professional Medicaid planner. 

To apply for the state Medi-Cal plan, seniors in Oceanside can complete an online application or call Covered California at (800) 300-1506. 

Assisted Living Waiver

Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living waiver pays for assisted living services, as well as transitional costs for seniors who are moving into an assisted living facility after living in a hospital or nursing care facility. While the waiver pays for care services, it doesn’t cover the cost of room and board. 

To qualify for coverage under the Assisted Living waiver, seniors must be fully eligible for the state Medi-Cal plan with zero share of cost. While the program covers any adult aged 21 and older who is disabled and requires a nursing level of care, those applying on the basis of age should be 65 or older. 

Seniors living in Oceanside can enroll in this waiver by contacting Huntington Home Care at (626) 623-1003. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplemental Payment

California’s SSP benefit helps aged, blind and disabled residents with little to no income pay for costs of assisted living. It’s a cash benefit that’s combined with the recipient’s Supplemental Security Income, which is provided by the federal government. SSP amounts are determined by the beneficiary’s living situation, but for some it may be as much as $423.37 per month. 

To qualify for the SPP, applicants must qualify for the federal SSI benefit. Any applicant who is enrolled in Medi-Cal is automatically qualified for the SSP. 

For more details on how to apply, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who have previously invested in a long-term care insurance policy can file a claim with their insurance provider to have all or some of the cost of assisted living reimbursed. Most insurance providers require policyholders to be in good health at the time of purchase, so it’s not typically possible to purchase a policy once the need for long-term care exists. All policies and providers differ in terms of co-pay and deductible amounts, so it’s important to review the policy in order to determine the covered amount. 

Elderlife Financial Services provides insurance counseling to senior citizens. They help seniors to understand their long-term care insurance policies as well as assist with the claims process and appeals. Seniors who require help with long-term care insurance can contact Elderlife at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Oceanside

Senior Centers in Oceanside

Oceanside’s senior centers serve adults aged 55 and older. They provide a variety of services, including legal assistance, wellness programs and tax services. Additionally, recreational and social activities, such as bingo, fitness classes and senior dances, are planned on a regular basis at each of the city’s two senior centers. 

The Country Club Senior Center
455 Country Club Ln., Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 435-5250

The El Corazon Senior Center
3302 Senior Center Dr., Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 435-5300

Veterans Affairs

Veterans and their surviving spouses who live in Oceanside can access benefit services, including application assistance and support services, at the North County Coastal Military and Veterans Affairs Resource Center. Those requiring health care services, including physician care and hearing aid assistance, can visit the Oceanside VA Clinic. 

Oceanside VA Clinic
1300 Rancho Del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056-1729
(760) 643-2000

North County Coastal Military & Veterans Affairs Resource Center
1701 Mission Ave., Ste. 110, Oceanside, CA 92058
(442) 262-2701

Area Agency on Aging

The San Diego County Department of Aging and Independence Services acts as the local Area Agency on Aging. AAAs help senior citizens to access benefits and resources. They also provide advocacy services to ensure the safety and quality of life for senior citizens who reside in the areas they serve, facilitating wellness and nutritional counseling programs. 

Aging and Independence Services
1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 510-2020