Assisted Living in Salina, KS

Assisted Living Costs in Salina

In contrast to many areas of the country, monthly rates for assisted living in Kansas span a relatively narrow range. In fact, prices are within $200 between Manhattan ($5,100), Lawrence ($5,265) and Tokepa ($5,300). The lone exception is the Salina area, where the cost of assisted living is notably lower at just $4,728 per month. While this seems very affordable compared to what seniors pay in other areas of the state, it’s $728 above the national average of $4,000, and almost $200 above the state median of $4,558.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Salina wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Wichita was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

As with assisted living rates within the state of Kansas, the cost of different types of senior care in Salina doesn’t vary as greatly as in other locations around the country. Nursing homes that offer 24-hour skilled nursing services cost an average of $5,475 per month, which is only about $750 higher than the $4,728 paid for assisted living.

In-home services provided by homemakers and home health aides average $4,195 per month, which is just over $500 less than the cost of assisted living. Adult day health services are the least expensive option at $1,934, but they only provide weekday care services in a group center. Rates for in-home and group care appear to offer considerable savings in comparison to assisted living, however, fees in residential facilities include room and board. Seniors living at home are responsible for food and housing-related expenses, which can increase their total monthly costs considerably.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Salina

Medicaid in Kansas

The Medicaid program provides low-cost or free health insurance coverage to over 65 million economically vulnerable Americans across the nation. The program is funded with federal and state revenue and administered by individual states according to federal regulatory guidelines.

KanCare is the Kansas Medicaid program, and it covers medical services and long-term care for more than 100,000 elderly and disabled state residents. Those who qualify receive wide-ranging services that include:

• Primary and specialist care
• Inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital services
• X-rays, lab and other diagnostic tests
• Medical transportation
• Nursing home care
• Home and community-based services and supports

Qualifying for Long-term Care Coverage

Salina residents must meet the following requirements to qualify for assistance for long-term care through the KanCare program:

• Be aged 65 or older, or
• Aged 64 or younger and blind or disabled, and 
• Be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care, and 
• Have $2,313 or less of income per month, and
• Have $2,000 or less in countable assets

The above financial limits are per individual, whether an applicant is applying solely or with a spouse. Applicants must put all sources of available income toward their care costs but may keep $62 as a monthly personal needs allowance.

Certain assets don’t count toward the eligibility limit, including a principal home valued at up to $585,000, household effects, personal belongings, one automobile, life insurance valued at less than $1,500 and burial plots.

Alternate Ways to Qualify for KanCare Coverage

There are some additional ways Salina residents can qualify for KanCare coverage:

• Those who meet the eligibility requirements for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits receive coverage automatically and are enrolled via their Social Security Administration application.
• Seniors who exceed the income limit may qualify for six months of coverage through a Medicaid spend-down. To do so, applicants must spend all their monthly income over $495 on approved medical and care expenses.
• Married seniors who are over the income and asset limits but applying solely may qualify due to spousal allowances. Federally mandated needs and resource allowances may reduce the applicant’s monthly income by up to $3,160.50 and assets up to $126,420.

Salina residents can apply for KanCare online or call (800) 792-4884 for help with their application.

KanCare Frail Elderly Waiver

Medicaid-eligible Salina residents aged 65 or older can apply for the Frail Elderly waiver program if they want to postpone or avoid nursing home admission. The FE waiver covers a variety of supportive services provided in an assisted living facility, but participants must pay their own room-and-board fees. Covered services may include comprehensive support and:

• Help performing daily living activities
• Financial management assistance
• Wellness monitoring and nurse evaluations
• Medication administration reminders
• Enhanced care
• Personal emergency response systems
• Assistive technologies

To qualify for this program, seniors must be assessed as needing the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

To learn more about the FE waiver or apply, Salina residents can call the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging at (785) 823-1277.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors waiting for benefits to kick in or a home or other asset to sell before moving to an assisted living facility may consider applying for a bridge loan through Elderlife Financial. These 12-month term loans are set up as a convenient line of credit and have no application or early payoff fees.

Seniors can schedule automatic payments to their assisted living care facility and only pay interest on the exact amount drawn out. Elderlife allows up to six cosigners on a senior’s application, and approval and access to funds often takes as little as 24 hours.

Salina seniors can complete a bridge loan application online or call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 to learn more or apply by phone.

Optional State Supplemental Program

Kansas seniors and those with disabilities living in Medicaid-approved assisted living facilities who are eligible for SSI benefits are entitled to a monthly stipend through the Optional State Supplemental program. This state-funded cash payment provides an additional $62 per month that may be put toward room and board or other expenses.

Salina residents may qualify for these benefit programs if they have:

• Up to $771 of monthly income as an individual or $1,157 as a couple
• Up to $2,000 in assets if single or $3,000 if married

To learn more about the SSI and OSS programs or apply, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in Salina

Veterans Assistance

Senior veterans and their survivors can obtain help applying for state and VA benefits by contacting staff at the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Salina field office.

Primary care services and referrals to the VA Medical Center in Wichita are available at the local VA outpatient clinic. Veterans can socialize with their peers and get involved in community service at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs
1502 E. Iron Ave., Ste. B Salina, KS 67401
(785) 823-2862

Salina VA Clinic
1410 E. Iron Ave., Salina, KS 67401
(888) 878-6881

Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center
5500 E. Kellogg Ave., Wichita, KS 67218
(316) 685-2221

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1432
108 W. Crawford St., Salina, KS 67401
(785) 825-4909

Senior Center

The Salina Senior Center hosts an array of programs and activities designed to keep older area residents active, healthy and engaged in the community. Seniors can enjoy daily congregate meals prepared in the center’s own kitchen; socialize over a game of bingo, bridge, poker or pool; stay fit with exercise and dance classes; or take creative writing, sewing and crafting lessons.

The center features a computer lab with Internet access and is home to a country band and mixed chorus singing group that welcomes new members. AARP safe driving courses are offered periodically, and there are regularly scheduled blood pressure, glucose and oxygen saturation checks and weekly foot clinics.

Salina Senior Center
245 N. Ninth St., Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-9818