Assisted Living in Howard County, MD

Assisted Living Costs in Howard County

In Howard County, according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey, seniors pay an average of $4,250 per month for assisted living. While this amount is below average when compared to other cities in Maryland, Howard County doesn’t offer the least expensive assisted living rates in the state. In Cumberland, the average cost is quite a bit less at $3,650 per month. On the other hand, in the California area ($5,900) and the Hagerstown area ($5,045), the cost is substantially higher. When compared with the national average, which is $4,000 per month, assisted living in Howard County is $250 higher. 

Note: There is no specific senior care cost data available for Howard County. Instead, data for the nearest major city, Baltimore, has been used for comparison purposes. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Assisted living and home care services all carry similar costs in Howard County, but when compared with nursing home care, which costs an average of $9,733 per month, the difference is considerable. When seniors and their loved ones are determining the best method of care, it’s important to budget for all expenses. For example, while assisted living and nursing home care costs usually include room and board, seniors who receive home care are still required to pay their own housing costs. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Howard County

Medicaid in Maryland

Maryland’s state Medicaid system helps low-income families and individuals access quality health care services, as well as prescription medications, necessary medical equipment and other supportive care services. The program serves many senior citizens throughout the state. 

To qualify for Medicaid in Maryland as an elderly person, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and meet the following income requirements:

• Single applicants must have a maximum income of $350 per month and no more than $2,500 in countable assets
• Married applicants must have a maximum income of $392 per month and no more than $3,000 in countable assets

When considering eligibility, income from any source is counted. However, some assets are exempt, including the applicant’s house, car and personal belongings, such as clothing and household furnishings. 

Seniors can apply for Medicaid in a number of ways, including completing an online application, visiting their nearest department of social services or calling (855) 642-8572.

Community Options/Community First Choice Waiver

The Community Options waiver and Community First Choice waiver provides assisted living services, such as daily support, nurse supervision and transportation services, enabling seniors to live in their own home or an assisted living facility. 

To qualify for these programs, seniors must require assistance with at least one activity of daily living, such as grooming, bathing or dressing. They also must be able to safely live at home or within the community instead of a nursing care facility. The financial requirements for these waivers are as follows:

• Income must not exceed $2,313 per individual per month
• Individuals may not own more than $2,000 in countable assets
• Married couples may not own more than $3,000 in countable assets

Applicants are also required to undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their medical eligibility for the program.

To apply for either of these waivers, seniors can contact the Maryland Department of Health Services at (410) 767-1739.

Increased Community Services Waiver

The Increased Community Services waiver helps seniors who reside in hospitals and nursing care facilities return to their own homes and communities. This waiver also lets participants downgrade their services and move into an assisted living facility. It covers a range of programs, including personal assistance services, nurse supervision, transition services, assisted living and behavioral consultation. 

To qualify for this program, applicants must have resided in a nursing care facility for a minimum of three months and be able to safely return to the community. The cost of services they receive in their community must not exceed the cost of nursing care. Financially, seniors must meet Medicaid asset limitations and contribute any income in excess of 300% of Supplemental Security Income to the cost of their care. 

To apply for this waiver, seniors can contact Maryland Access Point at (844) 627-6465. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

Seniors in Maryland who receive assisted living services in small group home settings may be eligible for coverage via the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy. The program subsidizes care costs for eligible seniors who reside in group homes of four to 16 residents as long as they’re licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Services include 24-hour supervision, meals and personal assistance. 

To qualify for this subsidy, seniors must be aged 62 or older, live in or be approved for residence in an eligible facility and be mentally or physically impaired and need assistance with activities of daily living. Financially, applicants must have an income that doesn’t exceed 60% of the state median and may not possess more than $11,000 as an individual or $14,000 per couple in countable assets. The subsidy is determined on a sliding scale that’s based on income and may be as much as $650 per month. 

To apply, seniors can contact the Maryland Department of Health at (877) 402-8218. 

Optional State Supplement

Maryland’s Optional State Supplement program is available to the aged, blind and disabled SSI recipients. It’s a cash benefit that’s paid out monthly alongside the recipient’s SSI funds to help pay for costs of assisted living that aren’t covered by Medicaid, such as room and board. The amount is determined by the applicant’s income and living situation, but in some cases, it may be as much as $184 per month. 

To qualify for the OSS, seniors must be recipients of the federal SSI benefit and they may not own more than $2,000 in countable assets. 

To apply, seniors can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Assisted Living Resources in Howard County

Office on Aging/Area Agency on Aging

The Office on Aging acts as Howard County’s Area Agency on Aging. It provides supports and services to senior citizens, persons living with disabilities and their caregivers. Services most frequently accessed include benefits counseling and mediation, long-term care ombudsman services, elder abuse support programs and nutritional counseling services. 

Office on Aging and Independence
9830 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-6410

Senior Centers in Howard County

Howard County operates six aged 50+ centers that provide the county’s elderly population with opportunities to congregate with peers and enjoy daily hot lunches, social clubs, fitness classes and other group activities, such as planned outings and dances. 

Howard County 50+ Centers
(Various locations)
(410) 313-7777

Veterans Services

The Office of Veterans and Military Families provides support to veterans of all ages as well as their dependent family members. In addition to supportive services, such as benefits assistance and counseling services, seniors can access a range of local resources and activities for veterans and their families. 

Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families
9830 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 313-6400