Assisted Living in Longmont, CO

Assisted Living Costs in Longmont

Longmont has the most expensive assisted living costs in Colorado. At $5,000, the monthly rate in the city is 25% higher than the $4,000 state and national averages. Rates in Pueblo ($4,000) and Fort Collins ($3,950) are in line with the state average, while seniors in Greeley ($3,670) and Grand Junction ($3,350) pay hundreds less per month. The only cities with assisted living costs close to the price in Longmont are Colorado Springs ($4,875) and Denver ($4,700), which are $125 and $300 less expensive, respectively.

Note: Longmont senior care cost data wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Boulder was used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Costs for most senior care options in Longmont are higher than the $5,000 average monthly rate for assisted living. Homemaker and home health aide services average $5,339 per month, while nursing home rates for a semiprivate room are over $4,000 more at $9,343. Adult day health services are the only option with a lower cost at just $1,463 per month, but they only provide daytime, Monday-to-Friday care in a group setting.

When comparing the value of different care options, it’s important to consider whether room and board are included in the rates. Assisted living fees generally cover meals and accommodations, but rates for in-home care only represent the hours of care services received. Food, utilities, taxes, insurance and other household costs are all extra expenses that should be factored in for a realistic comparison.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Longmont

Medicaid in Colorado

Americans with limited income who can’t afford health insurance may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid; a program designed to provide free or low-cost health care services to needy individuals. The federal and state government-funded program provides coverage for over 65 million children, families, disabled and blind adults, pregnant women and seniors.

The Medicaid program known as Health First Colorado is administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. The program provides a wide range of benefits for eligible residents, including primary and specialist care, emergency, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, preventive care, prescriptions and long-term nursing home care.

Qualifying for Colorado Medicaid

Longmont residents who are American citizens or eligible immigrants can qualify for Health First Colorado coverage for long-term care if they have a monthly income of $2,313 or less and no more than $2,000 in assets per person. These limits are doubled to $4,626 and $4,000 for married couples who apply together.

When determining eligibility, Medicaid considers applicants’ income from all sources. However, a number of assets don’t count, including a primary home and its furnishings, personal effects and one automobile.

When only one spouse of a couple applies, the non-applicant’s income is disregarded. Additionally, the spouse remaining at home may be awarded up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and up to $126,420 of the couple’s jointly owned assets. These living and resource allowances are mandated by the federal government to prevent spousal impoverishment.

Qualified Income Trust

Applicants who exceed the income limits but meet Health First Colorado’s other eligibility criteria may lower their monthly earnings to the required threshold using a Qualified Income Trust. When excess monthly income is deposited into the trust account, it no longer counts toward the limit. This type of trust is irrevocable and funds removed must be used to pay approved long-term care or medical expenses.

Longmont residents can apply for Health First Colorado coverage online or in person at the Boulder County Department of Human Services office located at 515 Coffman Street. For more information or assistance completing an application, senior can call (303) 441-1000. 

Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver

Health First Colorado only covers long-term care in a nursing home as an entitlement. The state offers the Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver as an alternative to let Medicaid-eligible seniors remain in the community and reduce nursing home admissions.

The EBD program includes Medicaid medical coverage and pays for various supportive services provided by assisted living facilities, such as housekeeping and help with personal care activities. The waiver doesn’t cover room and board, so program participants must pay this portion of their facility fees. Longmont residents can qualify for the EBD waiver if they:

• Meet Health First Colorado’s income and asset limits
• Are aged 65 or older and suffer from a significant functional impairment
• Are aged 18 to 64 and blind or disabled
• Need the level of support normally provided in a nursing home

Because the EBD isn’t a Medicaid entitlement program the number of participants is capped statewide, so approved applicants may have to wait to receive services depending on current enrollment.

To learn more about the EBD waiver or apply, Longmont residents can contact Colorado Access at (877) 710-9993.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Elderly or disabled individuals who qualify for or are currently receiving monthly benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program may also be eligible for an Optional State Supplementation top-up benefit.

This extra monthly amount from Colorado OSS is added to a person’s SSI benefit check and can provide up to $551 for individuals or $1,489 for married couples. The exact benefit level varies depending on income and living arrangement.

To learn more about the Colorado OSS program or apply, seniors can call Boulder County DHS at (303) 441-1000.

Colorado Old Age Pension

Longmont residents aged 60 and older who have few assets and little income may be eligible for benefits from the Colorado Old Age Pension program. Applicants must have no more than $2,000 worth of assets per individual or $3,000 per couple and a monthly income below $809 per person. Only American citizens and qualified immigrants who’ve been in the United States at least five years can qualify for OAP assistance.

The benefit amount may vary month to month based on an approved applicant’s exact income, and enrollees can receive a maximum of $809 per month or $9,709 annually.

To apply for OAP benefits, Longmont residents can call (303) 441-1000 or visit the Boulder County DHS office located at 515 Coffman Street.

Assisted Living Resources in Longmont

Transportation Assistance

Via Mobility Services provides transportation assistance to enhance self-sufficiency and independence for seniors and disabled adults. The nonprofit agency offers shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit services within a large service area that includes Boulder and Weld counties. Travel training and personalized guidance, trip planning and scheduling services are also provided by the agency’s trained mobility specialists.

Via Mobility Services
2855 N. 63rd St., Boulder, CO 80301
(888) 647-9768

Community Services and Senior Center

The Longmont Department of Senior Services coordinates local resources to promote independence, good health and happiness for the community’s older residents. The focal point of the department is the city’s senior center that offers a plethora of programs, activities and services for adults aged 55 and older. Seniors can join a variety of social clubs and fitness classes, participate in planned events and enjoy a healthy congregate lunch Monday through Friday.

The center also offers wellness and lifelong learning programs, individual counseling and support groups, assistance and referrals to local aging-related resources as well as escorted group outings and extended domestic and international trips.

City of Longmont Senior Services
910 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 651-8411

Legal Aid

Longmont seniors aged 60 or older can apply for free legal help from Colorado Legal Assistance. Depending on their financial situation, applicants may qualify for assistance with legal concerns, such as government benefits, housing, end-of-life planning, elder exploitation, guardianship, debt and IRS dealings.

Colorado Legal Assistance
315 West S. Boulder Rd., Ste. 205, Louisville 80027
(303) 449-7575