Assisted Living in Plant City, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Plant City

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Plant City and throughout the greater Tampa area is $3,250 per month, which is below both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($3,500). Plant City’s assisted living costs are also substantially lower than many other major cities in the state, such as Panama ($4,200) and Jacksonville ($4,425). When compared with Miami ($3,350) and Orlando ($3,275), the cost of assisted living in Plant City is slightly less.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Plant City: $3,250
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Jacksonville: $4,425
• Miami: $3,350
• Orlando: $3,275
• Palm Bay: $3,750
• Panama: $4,200
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care needed is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of care. Plant city’s average monthly cost of nursing home care is more than $5,000 higher than assisted living. When compared to home health care, assisted living is considerably less expensive when factoring in all costs that are associated with continuing to live at home, such as rent, utilities and food, which are normally included with the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,250
• Homemaker services: $3,718
• Home health aide: $4,096
• Adult day health: $1,907
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,319

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living inPlant City

Medicaid in Florida

Florida’s Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program provides seniors residing in assisted living and nursing care facilities with financial assistance. Depending on the individual’s specific needs, they may also receive a variety of services through the program, including case management, non-emergency transportation and physical, speech or occupational therapy.

Seniors must be at least 65 years of age and complete a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need in order to apply for this Medicaid program. Financial eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants can’t have an annual income that exceeds $16,040, and couples annual income can’t exceed $21,599. The program accepts a limited number of participants each year, and there is typically a waiting list for applicants. 

Seniors can learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements by calling the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at (800) 963-5337. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a state-managed program providing benefits to seniors who require a nursing level of care but would rather live at home or in an assisted living facility. The PACE program offers eligible seniors subsidized costs on medical and social services such as daily nurse visits, medical and dental care, non-emergency transportation and long-term care, such as personal care assistance both in the home and assisted living facilities. 

To be eligible for PACE, applicants must be 55 years of age or older and able to live safely within their community. They must also submit to a comprehensive care assessment to determine the level of care they require and meet the financial requirements of the Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. 

Seniors who are interested in learning more about the PACE program can call (855) 435-7223. 

Optional State Supplement

Supplemental Security Income recipients may be eligible for additional financial benefits through Florida’s Optional State Supplement (OSS). OSS exists to provide additional financial assistance to low-income seniors, and benefits are paid in cash to be used towards room and board costs. The OSS is available to individuals who are blind or disabled, age 65 and older, a U.S. citizen or qualified alien and residing in a Florida long-term care facility. 

The benefit amount is calculated based on the senior’s income and has a maximum payout of $78.40 per month. Applicants must have an income that doesn’t exceed $849.40 per month and assets valued at less than $2,000.

Seniors can apply for the OSS by contacting ACCESS Florida at (866) 762-2237.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provide an alternative payment option to seniors who are ineligible for Medicaid funding or state financial assistance programs. Bridge loans are issued directly to a senior’s long-term care facility and can be paid back by the senior, or family members, in monthly installments. Payment terms are flexible and loans have low interest rates. 

To be eligible for an Elderlife Bridge Loan, seniors must have a good credit history and enough income to cover the monthly payments. Seniors who are unable to obtain approval on their own can apply with up to six cosigners, which increases their chances of approval and helps to reduce monthly payments. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who hold a long-term care insurance policy can use their coverage to pay for the cost of assisted living. Most insurance plans require seniors to pay an annual deductible, which varies depending on the insurance provider and the plan purchased. Eligibility, premiums and policy terms vary as well depending on the insurance provider, but in most cases, plans must be purchased before the need for long-term care exists, and costs are determined in part by the age and health condition of the policyholder.

Assisted Living Resources in Plant City

Senior Programs at Community Centers

There are a variety of activities available to seniors living in Plant City. These are offered by the Planteen Recreation Center and often include adult-only fitness classes, social programs and educational programming on topics such as computers, finance and nutrition.

Planteen Recreation Center
301 Dort Street Plant City, Florida 33563
(813) 659-4256

Seniors Advocacy Programs

Senior advocates provide support services to seniors such as assistance with Medicaid and other benefit programs, facilitation of community services throughout the Plant City area and long-term care ombudsmen. 

Area Agency on Aging
8928 Brittany Way Tampa, Florida 33619
(800) 963-5337

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits to residents who have served in the military. Seniors who are eligible for VA benefits may be able to access financial assistance programs or medical care at VA clinics in the Plant City area.

Hillsborough County Veterans Services
311 Pauls Drive, Suite 100, Brandon, Florida 33511
(813) 246-3170

VA Lakeland Clinic
4237 South Pipkin Road, Lakeland, Florida 33811
(863) 701-2470