Assisted Living in Bloomington, MN

Assisted Living Costs in Bloomington

As shown in the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study, Bloomington has the highest average assisted living rates in the state of Minnesota. At $4,425 per month, costs here are also moderately more expensive than the state and national averages. Rates in Mankato and Duluth are somewhat less costly at $4,393 and $4,250 per month, respectively. Prices in Rochester are over $650 less per month, while St. Cloud has the state’s lowest assisted living rates at $3,716.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Bloomington, so data for the nearest city, Minneapolis, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care services in Bloomington and across the country are influenced by multiple factors, including location, care level and setting, and the total hours of service provided. Care in a skilled nursing facility is the most expensive option, with rates close to double those of assisted living. Adult day health services that provide limited weekday care in a group setting are the least costly. In-home options such as homemakers and home health aides cost over $1,000 more per month than assisted living, even though residential care typically includes room and board.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bloomington

Medicaid in Minnesota

The Minnesota Medicaid program, Medical Assistance, provides health care services to eligible seniors and disabled residents, including physician and clinic visits, inpatient, outpatient and emergency room hospital care, lab and X-ray services, prescriptions, medical transportation and long-term nursing home care. Depending on an applicant’s age and financial situation, copays and deductibles may apply.

To qualify for MA coverage as a senior, an applicant must be over age 65, or 64 and younger if disabled, a Minnesota resident and U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and:

• Have income equal to or below 100% of the federal poverty level, which is currently $12,140 annually or $1,012 per month
• Have less than $3,000 in assets excluding a primary residence valued under $572,000, one vehicle, personal effects and household furnishings

MA doesn’t pay for room and board in an assisted living setting, but it does offer two waiver programs that may help Bloomington seniors cover the cost.

MA Elderly Waiver

The Elderly waiver is available to residents aged 65 or older who are eligible for nursing home care under the regular MA program but want to live in a community setting. To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a monthly income below 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate or $2,313 per person and $4,626 for a married couple
• Have total assets valued below $3,000 for singles and $6,000 for married couples applying together
• Require a nursing facility level of care as determined by a long-term care consultation
• Require services available at a lower cost through the Elderly waiver than in a nursing home

Approved applicants may receive services including but not limited to:

• Transitional aid
• Case management
• Companion and chore services
• Nonmedical transportation
• Personal care assistance
• Residential services
• Skilled nursing care
• Specialized equipment and supplies

To apply for the Elderly waiver, seniors can visit the Hennepin County Social Services office at 300 S Sixth St. in Minneapolis or call the Senior LinkAge line at (800) 333-2433.

Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver

The MA Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver provides assistive services to disabled adults aged 64 and younger so they can avoid admission to a nursing home. Services can be received in various settings, including an assisted living facility. To qualify for the CADI waiver, applicants must meet the eligibility guidelines for MA coverage and:

• Be assessed as needing the level of care normally provided in a nursing facility
• Be younger than age 64 and deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration or the Minnesota medical review team
• Require a higher level of support than the state Medicaid program can provide

Those approved for CADI services may continue under this program or transition to the Elderly waiver at age 65.

Bloomington residents can contact the Hennepin County South Suburban Human Services center at (612) 348-3000 to learn more or apply.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Minnesota Housing Support Program

Minnesota’s Housing Support program helps low-income seniors and adults with disabilities pay for assisted living room and board to prevent admission to a nursing home. Those who don’t qualify for regular MA or a waiver program may also receive supplemental services such as transportation, coordination of medical and social services and medication reminders. Housing support is only provided in licensed or registered care establishments that have a monthly rate agreement with the county.

HS benefits are available to Minnesota residents aged 65 or older and those aged 64 and younger with a physical or mental health condition that limits self-sufficiency. Financially, the program is open to those who:

• Receive or qualify for state General Assistance benefits and have $10,000 or less in assets
• Receive or qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits and own less than $10,000 in assets
• Have income above the limits for both GA and SSI benefits but below the HS program income limits

The HS program’s income limits are the maximum amounts the program pays a housing provider or:

• $904 for room and board alone
• $1,386.84 when all approved supplemental services are provided

Seniors in need of assistance can apply for HS benefits online or contact the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department at (612) 596-1300. 

Minnesota Supplemental Aid

Minnesota’s Supplemental Aid program provides an extra cash benefit to residents over age 18 who receive federal SSI benefits and have less than $2,000 in assets. This monthly payment can help cover basic needs such as room and board in an assisted living facility. Residents with an income above the SSI limit may still qualify for MSA if they meet one of these criteria:

• Are aged 65 or older
• Are blind or disabled per SSA guidelines
• Have assets of less than $10,000

Bloomington residents who meet the qualification criteria can apply for MSA benefits online or by contacting the Minnesota DHS Disability Services Division at (651) 431-4300.

Assisted Living Resources in Bloomington

Community Center Senior Programs

The Creekside Community Center offers over 85 volunteer-led free or low-cost programs and activities for Bloomington residents aged 50+. In addition to providing delicious noontime meals Monday through Friday and an array of social, recreational and fitness-related activities, the center also offers health-focused programs including foot care, hearing tests, health insurance counseling and consultations with a visiting public health nurse.

Creekside Community Center
9801 Penn Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55431
(952) 563-4944

Minnesota Board on Aging

The Minnesota Board on Aging acts as an information and service gateway for seniors in Bloomington and across the state. Through programs such as the Senior LinkAge Line, the agency gives seniors and their families access to a wealth of state and local resources such as prescription drug expense relief, long-term care option counseling, care transition assistance, help completing applications for Medicaid and MA waiver programs, and transportation services.

Minnesota Board on Aging
540 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 431-2500

Veterans Resources

The Hennepin County Veterans Services office in downtown Minneapolis provides Bloomington senior veterans with assistance completing VA disability and regular pension applications as well as help obtaining medical and dental benefits. Comprehensive health care services are available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Provided services include primary care, surgery, rehabilitation and physical medicine, geriatrics, oncology and extended care.

Hennepin County Veterans Services
300 S Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN 55487
(612) 348-3300

Minneapolis VA Health Care System
One Veterans Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 725-2000