Assisted Living in Hagerstown, MD

Assisted Living Costs in Hagerstown

Maryland has a relatively high cost of living, and that’s reflected in its assisted living prices. Seniors in the state pay an average of $4,673 per month for assisted living, much more than the national average of $4,000. In the western Maryland city of Hagerstown, seniors pay prices that are high even by Maryland standards at $5,045 per month. 

Assisted living prices vary widely throughout Maryland. Seniors in the California area pay a whopping $5,900 per month, on average. The second-most expensive city, Salisbury, comes in at $5,315 per month. The state’s most budget-friendly city for assisted living, Cumberland, is significantly more affordable at just $3,650 per month. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

A senior’s monthly care bill varies significantly depending on the type of care they require, as reported by Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey. Seniors who live in Hagerstown’s assisted living facilities can expect to pay $5,045 per month, on average. Their counterparts in the city’s nursing homes pay $9,353, which is approximately $4,300 more per month. 

In-home senior care services, at $3,813 per month, cost approximately $1,230 less than assisted living. These prices are just for the care itself, so seniors should also consider the other costs of living at home, such as utilities, groceries and maintenance. Depending on a senior’s monthly budget, staying at home could be more expensive than moving to an assisted living facility.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Hagerstown

Medicaid in Maryland

Almost 1.2 million Marylanders are enrolled in Medicaid, a government-run program that provides health coverage to people with low incomes and limited resources. Medicaid recipients, who include seniors, children and people with disabilities, can receive a number of medical services at low or no cost. These include physician services, physical therapy, hospital services, emergency medical transportation and personal care services. 

Seniors may qualify for Maryland’s Aged, Blind and Disabled Medicaid category if they earn less than $350 per month and have less than $2,500 in assets. Couples may be eligible with a combined income of less than $392 per month and total assets of less than $3,000. Seniors who receive SSI benefits are automatically eligible for Medicaid. 

There are many ways that seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage. The fastest way is to submit an online application through myDHR. Seniors who prefer to apply in person can stop by the Washington County Department of Social Services. This office is located at 122 N. Potomac St. in Hagerstown. Mailing a paper application to this office is another option.

Seniors who need help applying for Medicaid can call Maryland Health Connection at (855) 642-8572. 

Home and Community-Based Options Waiver

Maryland’s Home and Community-Based Options waiver helps nursing home-eligible seniors live at home or in the community. Seniors can receive a number of waiver-specific services, including assisted living, family training and case management. They can also receive personal care services, transition services, nurse monitoring and other Medicaid services.

Seniors who have a verified need for nursing home care may qualify for this waiver program if they meet its financial requirements. The income limit for the program is 300% of the federal SSI benefit rate. Depending on a senior’s eligibility category, the asset limit is either $2,000 or $2,500.

Seniors who currently live in a nursing home and want to move to assisted living can apply by calling Medicaid’s Long-Term Care and Waiver Services at (410) 767-1739. 

For seniors who don’t live in nursing homes, there’s a wait list. To learn more, call the Maryland Department of Health’s Waiver Services Registry at (844) 627-5465.

Increased Community Services Program

The Increased Community Services program is designed to help seniors move out of nursing homes. It offers many of the same services as the Home and Community-Based Options waiver, such as assisted living, transition services and personal care services. 

Seniors may be eligible for this program if they’ve lived in a nursing home for at least three months. Within that time, at least 30 days of nursing home care must be eligible for Medicaid coverage. The services that a senior wants to receive in the community, such as assisted living care, must cost less than what they’re currently receiving in the nursing home. 

Like the Home and Community-Based Options waiver, this waiver has an asset cap of $2,000 or $2,500 depending on a senior’s eligibility category. Seniors who earn more than 300% of the federal SSI benefit rate need to use their excess income to contribute to their care costs. 

Seniors who are interested in this program can contact Maryland Access Point at (844) 627-5465.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

The Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy is a state-run program that helps seniors pay for assisted living services. These services are provided in a group home setting and may include 24-hour supervision, personal care and meals. The program may pay the difference between a senior’s income and their monthly assisted living fees. The maximum payment is $650 per month. 

Seniors may be eligible for this program if they:

• Are 62 years of age or older
• Need assistance with activities of daily living due to a physical or mental impairment
• Are accepted into a facility that participates in the program
• Earn no more than 60% of the Maryland median income per month
• Own less than $11,000 in assets ($14,000 for couples)

To apply, call the Washington County Commission on Aging at (301) 790-0275. 

Optional State Supplementation

Many states, including Maryland, provide additional cash assistance to SSI recipients. Seniors who live in assisted living facilities may receive as much as $184 in optional state supplementation. This includes a personal needs allowance of $82; seniors can use this money to buy clothes, books and other personal items that aren’t provided by assisted living facilities. 

Seniors who receive SSI, or meet all SSI eligibility requirements except for income, may qualify for this program. To apply, visit the Washington County Department of Social Services or call (240) 420-2100.

Assisted Living Resources in Hagerstown

Veterans Affairs

Many Veterans Affairs resources are located in and around Hagerstown. A VA clinic is located within city limits, and it offers primary care, women’s health care and blood drawing services. The closest VA hospital is located across the state line in Martinsburg. 

Hagerstown VA Clinic 
1101 Opal Ct., Ste. 202, Hagerstown, MD 21740
(800) 817-3807

Martinsburg VA Medical Center 
510 Butler Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 263-0811

Silver Spring Vet Center 
2900 Linden Ln., Ste. 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 589-1073

Baltimore Regional Benefit Office 
31 Hopkins Plz., Baltimore, MD 21201
(800) 827-1000

Senior Centers

At the local senior center, seniors can take a variety of free or low-cost classes, including exercise classes, health classes and Spanish classes. Painting, sewing and chess are just some of the fun activities that seniors can participate in. The center’s cafe serves affordable soups, sandwiches and other freshly prepared meals.

WCCOA Senior Center 
535 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 790-0275

Social Security

At the city’s Social Security office, Hagerstown seniors can get help with SSI, SSDI, Medicare and other federal programs. They can also get a replacement Social Security card.

Hagerstown Social Security Office 
1710 Underpass Way, Ste. 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740
(866) 331-7125