13 Assisted Living Communities in Saginaw, Michigan

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $2,8several a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 13 Assisted Living Communities in Saginaw and 25 in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Saginaw, MI

• Assisted Living: $2,825
• Nursing Home Care: $7,695
• In-home Care: $4,195
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,381

Seniors in Saginaw benefit from the least expensive assisted living cost in Michigan. At $2,825, the cost is $375 below nearby Bay City and $1,875 less than comparable care in Midland. It’s also substantially lower than the rates paid in Lansing ($4,500), Flint ($3,950) and Battle Creek ($3,873). Assisted living costs a whopping $2,225 more per month in Ann Arbor, which has the highest average rate statewide ($5,050). Saginaw rates are also much more affordable than the state ($3,850) and national ($4,000) averages.

Senior care rates in a given city are influenced by factors other than geographic location, such as the skill level of care, total service hours and the type of care setting. The 24-hour skilled care provided by nursing homes and one-on-one care offered by in-home providers is reflected in the higher monthly rates for these types of services compared to assisted living. In-home care rates are deceivingly low in Saginaw because they don’t include the cost of food or housing-related expenses normally covered by assisted living room and board. The cost difference between in-home and assisted living increases significantly when these expenses are factored in.

 

The national Medicaid program ensures access to essential health care services for low-income Americans. The program is administered at the state level with oversight and joint funding provided by the federal government.

The Michigan Medicaid program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, provides coverage for over one-fifth of the state’s population, including almost half a million blind, disabled and elderly residents. Program enrollees receive wide-ranging benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital and emergency care, diagnostic services such as lab tests and X-rays, preventive care, prescription medications and nursing home care.

Saginaw residents must be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants to qualify for Michigan Medicaid coverage for long-term care, and they must meet these additional requirements:

• Be aged 65 or older or aged 21 to 64 and disabled or blind
• Be assessed as requiring the level of care usually provided in a nursing facility
• Have a monthly income of $2,313 or less per person
• Have $2,000 or less in countable assets if single
• Have $3,000 or less in combined countable assets if applying with a spouse

All income counts toward the above limit, but some assets are automatically excluded, including an applicant’s primary home worth less than $585,000, household furnishings, personal belongings, one automobile and a burial trust.

Applicants may still qualify if they’re over the income or asset limits and fit one of these categories:

• Seniors who meet all other eligibility criteria except for income and who have high medical bills may receive coverage through a Medicaid deductible. The specific deductible amount is calculated based on the applicant’s excess income figure, and this amount must go toward allowable medical expenses before coverage is approved.
• Married sole applicants with excess income and assets may qualify after spousal living and resource allowances are calculated and taken into account. These federally mandated allowances may reduce an applicant’s monthly income by up to $3,160.50 and joint assets by up to $126,420.

To apply for Michigan Medicaid coverage, seniors and disabled adults can call the Health Care helpline at (855) 789-5610, complete an online application or visit the local MHHS office at 411 East Genesee Avenue.

MI Choice Waiver

Seniors and disabled adults who meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements and need daily assistance but want to stay at home or in a community setting can apply for the MI Choice waiver program. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be aged 65 or older or aged 21 through 64 and blind or disabled
• Be assessed as requiring a nursing-facility level of care but able to live in the community without safety concerns

Those enrolled in the program receive full medical coverage through Michigan Medicaid as well as one or more of these waiver services:

• Transition assistance to relocate from a nursing home
• Care coordination
• Community living supports
• Preventive nursing services
• Private duty nursing care
• Medical supplies and equipment not available through regular Medicaid
• Approved goods and services
• Counseling
• Nonmedical transportation
• Personal emergency response systems

The Choice waiver isn’t a Medicaid entitlement program, and participation is limited statewide, so eligible applicants may have to wait to receive services.

For more information about the MI Choice waiver or to schedule an initial assessment to begin the application process, Saginaw seniors can contact the local designated waiver agent, A&D Home Health Care, at (989) 249-0929.

Optional State Supplementation

Saginaw seniors eligible for Supplemental Security Income can receive an extra monthly cash benefit through the Michigan Optional State Supplementation program. The benefit amount varies based on an applicant’s monthly income and living situation, but individuals may receive up to $950.30 and couples up to $1,900.60 per month.

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

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

The Great Lakes PACE program provides eligible Saginaw seniors with all-inclusive medical and community-based support services with the goal of preventing premature nursing home placement. To qualify for this program, applicants must be aged 55 or older and be assessed as eligible for nursing home admission but deemed able to safely live in the community with PACE-provided support services. Applicants can’t be currently enrolled in the MI Choices waiver or an HMO and must live within the program’s defined service area.

Those approved for coverage are evaluated by the PACE interdisciplinary team and receive an individualized care plan. Although the program doesn’t pay assisted living facility fees, it does cover a wide range of supportive services that can help lower a participant’s monthly care costs. Based on their assessed needs, participants may qualify for services such as:

• Comprehensive medical care

• Skilled nursing services

• Dental care

• Recreational activities and exercise programs

• Social services

• Nutritional counseling

• Occupational, physical and speech therapy

• Personal care assistance

• Prepared meals

• Transportation to the PACE center and medical appointments

To learn more or apply for the PACE program, seniors can contact Great Lakes PACE at (844) 445-7223. 

The Saginaw County Commission on Aging offers a wide range of programs and services to help elderly residents aged 60 and older maintain their independence and a high quality of life. The agency’s information and referral staff is available to answer questions, provide information and connect callers with local services that match their needs. The SCCOA coordinates and oversees programs and services such as case management, care management for frail individuals at risk of nursing home admission, congregate dining, in-home support and door-to-door transportation. The agency also offers volunteer opportunities for seniors who want to stay active and engaged in their community. Saginaw County Commission on Aging
2355 Schust Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603
(989) 797-6880

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.