Assisted Living in Overland Park, KS

Assisted Living Costs in Overland Park

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study indicates that assisted living in the Overland Park area is priced considerably higher than the rest of the state. At $5,300 per month, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Overland Park is $1,300 above the national average and nearly $800 above the state average. In Kansas City, Missouri, which is just across the border from Overland Park, the cost is only $4,050. 

Note: Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Overland Park. Data for the closest major city in the state, Topeka, has been used instead. 

• Overland Park/Topeka: $5,300
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,556
• Manhattan: $5,100
• Wichita: $4,728
• Kansas City, Missouri: $4,050
• Lawrence: $5,265

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care varies significantly depending on the type of care required. In Overland Park, the average cost of nursing home care is only $358 higher than the cost of assisted living, which is $5,300. At first glance, it appears that home care is considerably less expensive than assisted living. However, it’s important to factor in the cost of rent, utilities and other home-related expenses, most of which are typically included in the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,300
• Homemaker services: $3,623
• Home health aide: $3,909
• Adult day health: $2,302
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,658

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Overland Park

Medicaid in Kansas

KanCare is Kansas’ state Medicaid program. It provides a variety of health care services to low-income residents of Kansas, including families, seniors and individuals with specific illnesses, such as breast cancer, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Services covered by KanCare include doctor visits and medical treatment, dental care, physical therapy, counseling and prescription medications. 

KanCare’s standard state plan provides financial assistance with the cost of assisted living in some cases. While this coverage is generally only available to those in nursing homes, KanCare will cover assisted living costs for seniors in long-term care facilities who receive a high level of care.  

KanCare programs are funded by the state and must adhere to parameters that are determined by the federal government. KanCare provides free access to healthcare for elderly applicants with incomes of $62 per month or less. Those with incomes higher than $62 may be eligible for subsidized care which is determined by a sliding scale and based on income. KanCare’s spend-down program allows participants to pay for medical expenses before considering their subsidy amount. Applicants may not have more than $2,000 in countable assets.

To apply for KanCare’s standard state plan, seniors can contact (800) 792-4884. 

Home and Community-Based Services Frail Elderly Waiver

KanCare’s HCBS Frail Elderly waiver was created to reduce the number of seniors who require care in the state’s nursing home facilities. It does so by providing additional care to those who live at home or in assisted living facilities. Services that are provided through this waiver include supervision and support services, dental hygiene care, nurse visits and financial management services. 

To qualify for the Frail Elderly Waiver, seniors are required to be 65 years of age or above and may not have an income above $747 per month. Asset limitations are the same as those for the state KanCare program. Seniors are also required to undergo a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need. 

To apply for the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver, seniors can call (855) 200-2372. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Kansas Optional State Supplement

The Optional State Supplement is available to seniors and disabled individuals who reside in a long-term care facility or receive home care services. It’s a cash benefit that’s meant to assist its recipients with costs that aren’t covered by Medicaid such as room and board. The amount of the benefit is based on the applicant’s income and living arrangements. 

To qualify for the supplement as an elderly individual, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and receiving the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. Those who qualify for the optional state supplement are automatically qualified for KanCare coverage as well. 

To apply, seniors can visit the Lenexa Social Security Office at 1537 95th Street Lenexa, Kansas or call (800) 772-1213. 

Long Term Care Insurance from LifeSecure Insurance Company

In Kansas, LifeSecure Insurance Company offers long-term care insurance plans to those who wish to prepare for the future. Plans must be purchased before the need for long-term care arises. Premiums, co-pay amounts and deductibles often vary, so for further information, it’s best to contact LifeSecure at (877) 720-2165. 

Life Insurance Cash-In

Seniors who own a life insurance policy may be able to cash it in to receive the funds they require for long-term care. When cashing in life insurance, there’s usually a financial penalty that needs to be paid by the policyholder. It’s important to consider that cashing in a life insurance policy renders it void, so it’s usually a good idea to explore other options first. 

Assisted Living Resources in Overland Park

Senior and Community Centers

Senior centers are a great place for elderly individuals to gather and participate in community activities. They often provide a range of programming that includes meal services, educational seminars, senior social activities and fitness classes. 

Overland Park Senior Center/Matt Ross Community Center
8101 Marty Street Overland Park, Kansas 66204
(913) 895-6350

Tomahawk Ridge Community Center
11902 Lowell Overland Park, Kansas 66213 
(913) 327-6644

Veterans Affairs

For seniors who have served in the military, as well as their spouses, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide a range of services including access to health care in VA medical clinics and financial assistance. 

Johnson County VA Clinic
10500 Mastin Street Overland Park, Kansas 66212
(816) 922-2750

Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations that provide seniors with a variety of advocacy programs and access to financial assistance programs. They often act as case managers and facilitate access to local services and resources for seniors. 

Johnson County Area Agency
11811 South Sunset Drive #1300 Olathe, Kansas 66061
(913) 715-8800