Assisted Living in Boston, MA

Assisted Living Costs in Boston

As shown in Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Boston is the costliest in the state with an average monthly price of $5,850. Local rates are well above the $4,000 national average and over $300 more per month than the Massachusetts median of $5,495. 

Pittsfield seniors enjoy the lowest cost of care at $4,200 per month, while rates in Barnstable Town ($5,490) and Worcester ($5,735) are in line with Boston. In nearby states, assisted living costs are lower in the Providence, RI, area ($4,900) and the Manchester, NH, area ($4,598).

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs in Boston vary greatly depending on the type of care received. Nursing home rates are more than double those of assisted living at an average of $12,471 per month for a semiprivate room. For active Boston seniors who are able to live at home and travel to and from a senior center, adult day health services are the least costly type of care at $1,603 per month.

Home health care providers, which include homemakers and home health aides, cost less upfront than assisted living at $5,148 and $5,339 per month respectively. However, these costs don’t factor in major expenses often included with assisted living, such as room and board, maintenance and utilities.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Boston

Medicaid in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Medicaid, known as MassHealth, provides health care services to qualified low-income seniors, people with disabilities and families throughout the state. Covered services may include doctor and hospital visits, long-term care and prescription medications.

To qualify for MassHealth, seniors must meet certain financial requirements. The following income and asset limits apply to seniors who are at least 65 years old and live at home or in a nursing home or are blind or disabled:

• Seniors must earn no more than $1,041 (individual) or $1,409 (married couple) in monthly income.
• They must have no more than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (married couple) in assets.

Seniors who prefer to receive long-term services in an assisted living home must adhere to the following financial limits:

• Earn a maximum of $2,313 monthly per spouse
• Have a maximum of $2,000 in assets per spouse

For married couples in both of the above financial criteria categories, non-applicant partners may retain up to $126,420 in assets. Limits don’t include one’s home, personal belongings, furnishings or primary vehicle.

To apply for MassHealth, Boston seniors can complete a paper form and deliver it in person to the MassHealth Enrollment Center in Chelsea or mail it to:

MassHealth Enrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
P.O. Box 290794
Charlestown, MA 02129

Seniors may also call (800) 841-2900 for assistance completing the application.

Moving Forward Plan Residential Supports Waiver

MassHealth includes a waiver program called MFP-RS for seniors who would like to move out of a nursing facility and into an assisted living home.

To qualify, a senior must have lived in a nursing home or rehabilitation center for at least 90 days, be aged 65 or older and meet MassHealth financial requirements.

MFP-RS benefits include:

• Assisted living
• Occupational and physical therapies
• Skilled nursing care
• Medical equipment
• Transitional assistance
• Transportation services

Interested Boston residents should complete the application and mail it to:

UMass MFP Waiver Unit
333 South St.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Senior Care Options

Along with the MFP-RS waiver, a comprehensive health plan program exists called Senior Care Options, which provides care coordination and social services to seniors in addition to traditional health care services.

To qualify, seniors must be eligible for MassHealth, be 65 years or older and live at home or in a long-term care facility, such as an assisted living home. Additionally, seniors must:

• Live in an SCO service area
• Not have end-stage renal disease

To apply, Boston residents enrolled in MassHealth can call Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan Senior Care Options at (855) 833-8124.

Optional State Supplementation

Boston residents are eligible for the Massachusetts state supplementation if they’re eligible for SSI and live in an assisted living home.

To qualify, a senior must:

• Earn no more than $771 (individual) or $1,157 (married couple) per month
• Have no more than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (married couple) in assets, excluding one’s primary vehicle, home, personal items and furnishings

Seniors living in an assisted living facility who qualify for SSI can receive up to $454 per month toward their room and board. Married couples can receive up to $681.

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

Assisted Living Resources in Boston

Senior Centers

Senior centers in and around Boston offer various activities, including exercise classes, healthy living programs, low-cost meals and community rooms for social events or card games.

BCYF Golden Age Senior Center
382 Main St., Boston, MA 02129
(617) 635-5175

Chelsea Senior Center
10 Riley Way, Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 466-4370

Peterborough Senior Center
42 Peterborough St., Boston, MA 02215
(617) 536-7154

Veronica Smith Senior Center
20 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 635-6120

Veterans Resources

Boston area veterans agencies plan commemorative events and assist vets and their loved ones with benefits claims. The Department of Veterans Services also provides support services and operates an emergency financial assistance program.

Veterans Services
43 Hawkins St., 3rd Fl., Boston, MA 02114
(617) 241-8387

Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services
600 Washington St., 7th Fl., Boston, MA 02111
(617) 210-5480

VA Boston Regional Office
JFK Federal Bldg., 15 Sudbury St., Ste. 15, Boston, MA 02203
(800) 827-1000

Senior Services and Area Agency on Aging

As Boston’s area agency on aging, the Age Strong Commission offers local seniors aged 55 and older resource information and referrals. It connects residents with legal assistance, city programs, caregiver support groups and access to $2 meals. Central Boston Elder Services provides ombudsman and elder protection services to those aged 60 and older.

Age Strong Commission
1 City Hall Sq., Rm. 271, Boston, MA 02201
(617) 635-4366

Central Boston Elder Services
2315 Washington St., Boston, MA 02119
(617) 277-7416