Assisted Living in Minneapolis, MN

Assisted Living Costs in Minneapolis

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Minneapolis is the highest in Minnesota, where the average cost is $4,000. Minneapolis’ cost of assisted living is above the national average, which is $4,000 per month, as well. When compared to larger cities, like Duluth, assisted living costs in Minneapolis aren’t too much higher, but when compared with smaller cities like Rochester ($3,770) and St. Cloud ($3,716), the difference is substantial.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Minneapolis: $4,425
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,000
• Duluth: $4,250
• Mankato: $4,393
• Rochester: $3,770
• St. Cloud: $3,716

Care Cost Comparison

The average cost of care is determined mostly by the type of care required, and in Minneapolis, this is definitely the case. The average monthly cost of nursing home care in the city is more than $4,000 higher than the cost of assisted living. When compared with home care, assisted living is also less expensive, especially when additional expenses, such as rent, food and utilities, are taken into account. These costs are usually included in the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,425
• Homemaker services: $5,529
• Home health aide: $5,815
• Adult day health: $1,798
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,491

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Minneapolis

Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota’s Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance. The state’s various MA programs provide financial assistance and healthcare services to low-income individuals living in the state. In some cases, MA may pay for the cost of long-term care, prescription medications, home modifications or medical equipment. The program serves seniors as well as those who are disabled, ill, injured or pregnant. 

MA helps seniors in many ways, including providing help with the cost of assisted living and housing expenses to low-income seniors and disabled persons throughout Minnesota. While seniors can receive MA through the state’s standard plan, several waiver programs provide benefits that are more specific to seniors who reside in assisted living facilities. 

Eligibility requirements for all waivers and the MA state plan stipulate that seniors must be assessed and require the level of care that’s specific to the waiver or plan that they’re applying for. Financially, the requirements are the same for all waivers and the state plan. Seniors may not earn more than $1,005 per month and may not own assets valued at more than $3,000 in total, excluding their home, which may not exceed a value of $572,000. 

To receive assistance with or to apply for the MA state plan or any of the waivers listed below, seniors can contact the Minnesota Health Care Programs Help Desk at (800) 657-3739.

Elderly Waiver

The MA Elderly Waiver provides assistance to seniors who require a nursing level of care but wish to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility. It offers assistance with the cost of care and helps seniors to access a variety of services such as nurse visits, nonemergency transportation and adult companion services. 

Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver

The Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver provides support and financial aid to those under the age of 65 who require nursing care or assisted living. However, those who are enrolled in the program prior to turning 65 years of age may continue to participate after their 65th birthday and receive financial assistance with the cost of assisted living or nursing home care. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Minnesota Housing Support Program

The Housing Support program is available to low-income seniors who reside in an approved and licensed long-term care facility. The program pays for the cost of room and board, which isn’t generally covered by Medicaid or other state assistance plans. The maximum benefit from this program is $904 per month.

To be eligible for this benefit, seniors must meet the financial requirements in place for Supplemental Security Income. This means that income must not exceed $750 per month for individual applicants or $1,125 for those applying as a couple. Additionally, applicants may not own assets valued at more than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. 

Seniors can apply online or send a paper application to their nearest county or tribal office. 

Minnesota Supplemental Aid

Some low-income seniors may be eligible for Minnesota Supplemental Aid, which is a cash benefit for those who need assistance with the cost of housing or health care. Although payments are typically issued monthly, the MSA sometimes provides special payments to those who require assistance with unexpected expenses such as conservator service fees, medically prescribed special diets or representative payee services. 

To be eligible for the program, seniors must be receiving federal Supplemental Security Income benefits or meet the same financial requirements as the state Medicaid program. 

Seniors can apply online for the MSA or contact the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department at (612) 596-1300.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides low-interest bridge loans to seniors who require some assistance with the cost of assisted living or other types of long-term care. Bridge loans are issued to the senior’s residence and can be repaid in monthly installments. Eligibility is dependent on income and credit history. However, seniors who are unable to qualify for a loan on their own may include up to six cosigners on their application to increase their chances of approval and reduce monthly payments. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies cover the cost of long-term care in licensed assisted living or nursing care facilities. Typically, the policyholder is required to pay an annual deductible before a claim is processed and paid to their place of residence. 

The specific terms of long-term care insurance policies vary depending on the provider and plan purchased, but generally, policies need to be bought while the policyholder is in reasonably good health, and premiums are calculated based on the policyholder’s age and health history. 

Assisted Living Resources in Minneapolis

Senior Citizen Centers

Senior centers provide a welcoming environment to elderly residents and offer the opportunity for seniors to participate in programming such as social activities, congregate meals, day trips and fitness, computer, nutrition or finance classes. 

Skyway Senior Center
950 Nicollet Mall #290 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
(612) 370-3869

Nokomis Healthy Seniors
4120 17th Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407
(612) 729-5499

Metro Senior Center
1209 Glenwood Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405
(612) 374-3383

Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors with advocacy programs such as long-term care ombusmen and benefits assistance and mediation services. Additionally, they provide seniors with access to community programs and support groups when the need exists.

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
1265 Grey Fox Road Arden Hills, Minnesota
(651) 641-8612

Veterans Affairs

Seniors who have served in the military can usually access a broad range of benefits that are provided by Veterans Affairs (VA). Eligible seniors can also access medical care in VA clinics across the country. To learn about eligibility and available programs, seniors can visit their local Veterans Services office. 

Minneapolis VA Health Care System
1 Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 725-2000

Hennepin County Veterans Services
300 South 6th Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55487
(612) 348-3300