17 Assisted Living Communities in Saint Clair County, Michigan

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,224 per month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 17 Assisted Living Communities in St. Clair County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in St. Clair County, MI

• Assisted Living: $4,224
• Nursing Home Care: $9,095
• In-home Care: $4,433
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,517

The average monthly cost of assisted living varies greatly throughout Michigan and the country. At $4,224, the rate in St. Clair County is higher than the national ($4,000) and state ($3,850) averages. It’s also slightly above the monthly rate in Flint ($3,950) and significantly steeper than the average in Battle Creek ($3,050) and Saginaw ($2,825). In comparison to St. Clair County, prices are higher in Lansing ($4,500) and Monroe ($4,750) and substantially more expensive in Ann Arbor, which has the highest assisted living cost statewide, at $5,050 per month.

Note: Data for senior care costs in St. Clair County wasn’t available, so data for the city of Detroit was used instead.

Senior care costs also vary widely within a specific area. In St. Clair County, costs range from $1,517 for adult day health services to $9,095 for 24/7 skilled nursing home care. Assisted living ($4,224), homemaker ($4,433) and home health aide ($4,528) all fall about midrange. Although the average monthly rates for assisted living and in-home care are similar, it’s important to note that the fees charged by most assisted living facilities include room and board. Those who stay at home not only pay for care services, but they also have to pay for groceries, utilities, upkeep, insurance and property taxes. These normal daily living costs can make in-home care markedly more expensive than assisted living.

Medicaid is the widest-ranging health insurance program in the country. This federal and state-funded program provides free or low-cost health care services to over 65 million low-income Americans with few resources. Each state administers Medicaid according to federal regulations.

The Michigan Medicaid program provides coverage for more than one-fifth of the state’s population and primarily serves pregnant women, dependent children and their parents, blind and disabled adults and the elderly. Medicaid-eligible St. Clair County residents receive numerous health care benefits, including:

• Primary and specialty care
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Emergency room treatment
• Prescription drugs
• X-rays and lab tests
• Emergency medical transportation
• Long-term nursing home care

Qualifying for Medicaid

St. Clair County residents who apply for Michigan Medicaid long-term care coverage must be U.S. citizens or legal noncitizens and aged 65 or older or 64 or younger and blind or disabled. Those who successfully apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits are automatically enrolled in Michigan Medicaid. All other applicants must:

• Have an income of $2,313 or less per month and $2,000 or less in countable assets if single
• Have a monthly income of $4,626 or less and no more than $3,000 in combined assets if married and applying jointly

All income counts toward the above limits, but some assets are disregarded, including personal effects, one automobile, irrevocable burial trusts, a primary home valued at up to $585,000 and household goods.

Qualifying When Over the Income and Asset Limits

Medicaid rules to prevent spousal impoverishment can provide additional income and asset exemptions for married applicants if only one spouse applies. According to the guidelines:

• Monthly income may be reduced by up to $3,160.50 to provide a living allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
• Countable assets may be reduced by up to $126,420 to provide a spousal resource allowance.

St. Clair County residents who meet Medicaid’s eligibility guidelines but have an income above the limit may be able to qualify through a Medicaid deductible if they have high medical bills. Medicaid looks at the monthly over-limit income as a deductible that must be spent on medical expenses before coverage can begin. Approved expenses can include:

• Doctor, nurse and hospital services
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Prescription drugs
• Chiropractic and dental services
• Transportation services to access medical care

Seniors can apply for Michigan Medicaid online or in person at the Michigan Health and Human Services office located at 220 Fort Street in Port Huron. For more information, call (810) 966-2000.

MI Choice Waiver

Medicaid-eligible St. Clair County residents who need long-term care can apply for the MI Choice waiver if they want to remain in the community instead of moving to a nursing home. This Michigan Medicaid waiver program provides all-inclusive medical and long-term care support services for those who:

• Are 65 years of age or older, or blind or disabled and aged 64 or younger
• Have been assessed as needing a nursing home level of care
• Are cognitively and physically capable of living safely outside a nursing facility

Those approved for the Choice waiver receive care coordination and one or more of the following services according to their needs:

• Transition assistance to move back to the community
• Community living supports
• Medical supplies and equipment not covered under Medicaid
• Private duty nursing services
• Preventive care services
• Personal emergency response systems
• Counseling
• Nonmedical transportation

The waiver isn’t an entitlement of Michigan Medicaid, and enrollment is limited across the state. Depending on participation numbers, eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list to receive services.

To learn more about the MI Choice waiver or apply, residents of St. Clair County can contact Area Agency on Aging 1-B at (800) 852-7795.

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors and disabled adults who are eligible for SSI benefits may also qualify for a monthly top-up through the Optional State Supplementation program. The exact benefit depends on an applicant’s income and living arrangement, but the maximum monthly payment is $179.30 for single people and $743.60 for married couples.

Residents of St. Clair County who wish to apply for SSI and OSS benefits can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Younger St. Clair County seniors may consider purchasing a long-term care insurance policy to help fund their future care needs. These policies provide a set daily or monthly benefit amount for a certain number of years. The cost and availability of LTC insurance depend on a policyholder’s age and health and the particular options chosen. Seniors should compare coverage, deductible periods and included and optional benefits for policies from several insurers before making a choice.

For help understanding LTC insurance or assistance filing a benefits claim, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Area Agency on Aging 1-B provides St. Clair and five other Michigan counties with a wide range of resources to help those aged 60 and older maintain their independence. Resources the agency coordinates include in-home care and support services, nutritious home-delivered and congregate meals, senior activity centers, transportation, and personalized information and referrals for available programs and services. Area Agency on Aging 1-B
29100 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 400, Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 357-2255

Accredited staff at the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs can help veterans navigate the application process for VA benefits and pensions. Veterans can visit the VA outpatient clinic in Yale for primary care, X-ray, laboratory and pharmacy services. The clinic also provides referrals for specialist care at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit.

St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs
200 Grand River Ave., Ste. 104, Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 989-6945

Yale VA Outpatient Clinic
7470 Brockway Rd., Yale, MI 48097
(810) 387-3211

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