Assisted Living in Rochester, MN

Assisted Living Costs in Rochester

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Rochester is slightly less expensive than the Minnesota state average ($4,000) and the national average ($4,000). Assisted living services in other Minnesota metro regions tend to be more costly, such as the average monthly costs of Mankato ($4,393), Duluth ($4,250) and Minneapolis ($4,425).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

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

Care Cost Comparison

While the cost of senior care varies by location, price is primarily driven by the type of care needed. In Rochester, a semiprivate room in a nursing home ($9,125) is more than twice the expense of a private room in an assisted living facility ($3,770). Rochester home care services are also more expensive, costing $1,000 to $1,200 more per month than comparable assisted living services. When choosing between the different types of senior care, it’s important to consider the additional costs associated with each lifestyle. Seniors who opt for home care services also have to budget for home upkeep expenses as well as current utility costs.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,770
• Homemaker services: $4,767
• Home health aide: $4,957
• Adult day health: $2,025
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,125

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Rochester

Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota’s Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance. This publicly funded health care program provides low-income seniors with a variety of health plans. Services covered by Medical Assistance include doctor visits, hospital services, home care, lab and X-ray services, prescriptions and rehabilitative therapy. For coverage of long-term care options, such as assisted living, seniors may need to apply for additional waivers. A small portion of members who aren’t in a health plan receive a Fee-for-service (FFS) plan, meaning health care providers bill the Department of Human Services (DHS) for your health care services.

To receive Medical Assistance coverage, seniors need to meet certain requirements. They must be a resident of Minnesota, a U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen, possess a Social Security number and meet the income limit. For seniors who live in a one-person household, the maximum annual income is $16,146. Seniors in a two-person household must have an annual income below $21,891. To sign up for Medical Assistance, call 651-431-2670 to request an application.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Elderly Waiver

Seniors who qualify for Medical Assistance can receive additional home and community services through the Elderly Waiver (EW) program. Designed for seniors who need the type of care offered in nursing homes, this waiver covers certified community residential services, such as assisted living. It also covers personal care assistance, skilled nurse visits, medical supplies and equipment and safety modifications.

Seniors considering assisted living options in Minnesota may need to broaden their search. The Minnesota Department of Health often refers to assisted living facilities as Housing with Services (HWS). The HWS label means a facility has registered with the Department of Health and must provide each client with a 17-point contract. Though services vary by facility, most HWS buildings offer amenities such as round-the-clock on-site staff, laundry assistance, meals, transportation, housekeeping and medical services. The Department of Health also refers to assisted living as customized living. Customized living packages provide seniors with supportive services within a registered HWS establishment.

For seniors enrolled in or eligible for Medical Assistance, the Elderly Waiver program is the most common way to access assisted living services. To receive Elderly Waiver coverage, seniors must undergo a long-term care consultation. If they’re deemed eligible, the Department of Health will assign them a case manager, which is usually a social worker or public health nurse. Managers help seniors access services, arrange their care plan and maintain their well-being throughout the process. To begin the application process, seniors living in Rochester can call 507-328-6500.

Consumer-Directed Community Supports
Seniors enrolled in the Elderly Waiver program can choose to enroll in the consumer-directed community supports (CDCS) program. CDCS gives seniors more control over their services and supports, allowing them to tailor their care plan to their needs. Designed around the concepts of person-centered planning and self-determination, seniors in this program can control their allocated money and make decisions about their future care. Seniors in Rochester who want to maintain their freedom while living in an assisted living facility may appreciate the planning process offered by CDCS.

Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
Individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury may be eligible for the Brain Injury (BI) Waiver. To qualify, Minnesotans must be on Medical Assistance and be deemed disabled. They must also possess documents confirming a traumatic brain injury diagnosis and related cognitive impairments. To learn more, Rochester natives can call 507-328-6500.

Assisted Living Resources in Rochester

Agency on Aging

The Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging supports the senior population of Rochester and the surrounding counties. They can help seniors and caregivers coordinate care, get access to beneficial programs and find supportive information.

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging 
2720 Superior Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901
507-288-6944

Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance

Seniors can apply for public assistance programs via the Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance office. Seniors can pick up an application for Medical Assistance and waiver programs at the Rochester office, or they can apply online at the website’s ApplyMN healthcare portal.

Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance
2117 Campus Drive SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904 
507-328-6500

Veteran’s Services

Veterans residing in Rochester can seek assistance from the local Veteran’s Services office. This service assists veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable secure federal, state, dependent, transportation, mental health and chemical dependency benefits.

Olmsted Veteran’s Services Office
2100 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200, Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355