Assisted Living in Boise, ID

Assisted Living Costs in Boise

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, Boise’s average monthly cost of assisted living is only slightly above the state average ($3,475) and $500 less than the national average ($4,000). Most major cities in Idaho have assisted living costs that are within a few hundred dollars of the state average, including Idaho Falls ($3,213), Coeur d’Alene ($3,750) and Pocatello ($3,350). The only exception being Lewiston ($4,306), where the average monthly cost of assisted living is about $800 more than in Boise.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart:

• Boise: $3,500
• National Average: $4,000
• State Average: $3,475
• Coeur d’Alene: $3,750
• Idaho Falls: $3,213
• Lewiston: $4,306
• Pocatello: $3,350

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care needed is one of the biggest factors influencing monthly costs, and this is certainly true in Boise. The average monthly cost of nursing home care is $8,121, making it more than double the cost of assisted living. The cost of home care ($3,813) is also more expensive than assisted living. Home care costs don’t take into account the added expenses associated with continuing to live in the home, such as rent, groceries and utilities, all of which are typically included in the cost of assisted living.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,500
• Homemaker services: $3,813
• Home health aide: $3,813
• Adult day health: $2,600
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,121

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Boise

Medicaid in Idaho

HCBS Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver

Idaho’s Aged and Disabled Waiver is intended to dissuade elderly and disabled individuals from entering into full-time nursing facilities by providing nursing level home care and supportive services to those who can remain safely in their own home or in an assisted living community. This program provides seniors with the option to direct their own care, which means they’re not restricted from choosing care providers from a specific network and may choose who provides their care in some cases. However, participants of this program must use a designated third party financial manager to manage their medical expenses.

To be eligible for the Aged and Disabled Waiver, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and require a nursing level of care. The financial requirements of this program stipulate that seniors must not earn more than $27,756 in income each year and the value of their assets, excluding their home, must not exceed $2,000.

To apply or to learn more about the application process, seniors can contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare or call (877) 456-1233.

Personal Care Services Program

The Idaho Personal Care Services Program (PCSP) is a Medicaid funded program that provides elderly residents of the state with covered assistance with activities of daily living. This program was created to take pressure off of the Medicaid system by providing alternative services to seniors who may otherwise be institutionalized in a nursing home. The PCSP is available to seniors who reside in their homes or assisted living facilities.

Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and require daily supportive care services. To be eligible for the PCSP, seniors must not earn more than $824 in income each month and may not own more than $2,000 in countable assets, excluding home value, home furnishings and life insurance policies.

To apply or to learn more about the application process, seniors can contact their local Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office or call (877) 456-1233.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who already receive federal supplemental security income (SSI) may be eligible to receive an optional state supplement, which is intended to aid seniors with the cost of room and board in assisted living facilities. The amount of the OSS benefit is determined by the senior’s needs, and for those living in an assisted living facility, the supplement is paid out to a maximum of $473 per month.

To be eligible for this benefit, seniors must be aged 65 or older and receiving SSI. Seniors may apply by contacting the Boise US Social Security Administration office at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who don’t qualify for financial assistance through state programs or Medicaid programs can apply for a bridge loan through Elderlife Financial Services. These loans are paid directly to the senior’s assisted living facility and can be paid back in monthly installments by the borrower and any co-applicants on their application. Interest rates for these loans are low, and terms are flexible.

Seniors who are concerned about approval may apply with up to six cosigners to increase the likelihood that they’ll qualify for a loan and reduce their monthly payments.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance exists to cover the cost of assisted living or other long-term care services. Seniors who purchase these policies prior to the need for long-term care are eligible to have the cost of assisted living covered by their insurance provider. In most cases, policyholders will be required to pay an annual deductible.

Eligibility and costs depend on the insurance provider and the plan purchased. Premiums and deductibles are often calculated based on the age and health history of the policyholder, and policies aren’t typically available to those with severe health problems.

Assisted Living Resources in Boise

Senior Centers in Boise

Senior centers offer those aged 55 and older access to a range of programming including day trips, social activities, classes and congregate meals.

Dick Eardley Senior Center
690 Robbins Road Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 608-7580

Veterans Affairs

Seniors who served their country in the military and in some cases their immediate family are eligible to receive financial and medical assistance from Veterans Affairs (VA). They may also receive health care services in VA Medical Centers. To receive further information about benefit programs and eligibility, seniors can contact a VA office.

VA Boise Medical Center and Regional Office
444 Weast Fort Street Boise, Idaho 83702
(800) 827-1000

Commission on Aging Office

The Idaho Commission on Aging provides Boise residents with access to community resources and offers senior advocacy programs, including a long-term care ombudsman and benefits assistance.

Idaho Commission on Aging Office
341 West Washington Street Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 334-3833