Assisted Living in Columbia, MO

Assisted Living Costs in Columbia

At $3,975, Columbia’s monthly expenses for assisted living fall just below the nationwide average of $4,000 shown in Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care. This is slightly higher than the cost of care in St. Louis ($3,500) but lower than Kansas City ($4,050). The state average for assisted living expenses sits at $2,844, so Springfield ($2,215), Joplin ($2,650) and St. Joseph ($2,550) all have lower-than-average monthly costs. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Columbia: $3,975
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $2,844
• Springfield: $2,215
• Kansas City: $4,050
• Joplin: $2,650
• Cape Girardeau: $4,000
• St. Joseph: $2,550
• Saint Louis: $3,500

Care Cost Comparison

Homemaker services and home health aide services are both $4,195 per month, on average. These figures are only about $200 higher than the cost of an assisted living facility in Columbia, but seniors should consider that they still have to pay regular household expenses before determining in-home care costs less than an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Adult day care costs approximately half as much as other care options in Columbia. However, adult day care generally provides part-time health services rather than full-time or around-the-clock care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,975
• Homemaker services: $4,195
• Home health aide: $4,195
• Adult day health: $1,983
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,080

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Columbia

Medicaid in Missouri

Columbia seniors can apply for Medicaid, Medicare or both health programs. These programs help reduce or eliminate the cost of medical expenses such as doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, medical equipment, home health care, nursing home care and assisted living facilities. Medicare acts as the primary provider when seniors receive coverage from both programs, and Medicaid is the secondary provider.

Low-income Columbia seniors who are at least 65 years old can apply for MO HealthNet, which is also called Missouri Medicaid. State and federal income and asset requirements apply, so seniors who do not meet these guidelines may not qualify for coverage. Seniors have the option to appeal coverage denials.

Medicaid income guidelines are determined by household size. To qualify for coverage, unmarried seniors who live with family or friends must earn less than unmarried seniors who live alone. Higher income and asset limits apply to married couples. A monthly income maximum of $771 exists for seniors who live alone, but seniors residing with others must not have an income that exceeds $514 per month.

Approval is automatic for disabled Missouri seniors who want MO HealthNet coverage if the state or the Social Security Administration decides a senior is disabled. Enrollment in the Medicaid program requires an online, paper or verbal application, even if coverage is likely to be granted. 

Seniors can view and print online Medicaid applications at MyDSS.MO.gov/healthcare. Application assistance is available via phone at (800) 735-2966. Seniors who prefer in-person help can visit the Social Services Department located at 601 Business Loop 70 W #272, Columbia, MO 65203.

Missouri Independent Living Waiver

The Missouri Independent Living Waiver is available for disabled individuals at least 21 years of age. Seniors who participate in the waiver program before age 65 can continue receiving benefits as long as they still meet the waiver’s qualification requirements.

The Independent Living Waiver lets recipients choose coverage for in-home care or facility services. This waiver also covers qualifying expenses for personal care, including adaptability aids and condition-related medical equipment. 

Medicaid recipients with questions about the program can contact The Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior and Disability Service or speak with an MO HealthNet representative at (573) 751-3425.

Supplemental Nursing Care

The Supplemental Nursing Care program helps cover the cost of care for Medicaid recipients who reside in state mental health hospitals or nursing homes. Recipients must pay their required share of care-related expenses after benefits are paid by Medicaid and/or Medicare coverage, and then the waiver picks up the remaining costs. 

Waiver recipients get a monthly personal needs allowance of up to $50. Qualifying seniors in residential care facilities also get $156 per month in monthly cash benefits. Cash benefits increase to $292 per month for qualifying seniors who reside in assisted living facilities. 

Waiver applicants must be at least 65 years old unless they are deemed disabled by a qualifying agency. Nursing care is available for disabled applicants who are 21 or older and meet eligibility requirements. Spouses of waiver recipients may qualify for asset protection.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid waivers or who need immediate coverage can pay for assisted living expenses with private financing from Elderlife Financial Services. This financial company offers bridge loans for seniors who need short-term care. These loans typically last for 12 months or less, but some exceptions are available.

A bridge loan offers an alternative to a reverse mortgage for seniors. For seniors in the process of selling their home, it eliminates the need to wait until the sale is complete. Funds are distributed directly to assisted living facilities and home care providers on behalf of qualifying recipients.

During the application process for a bridge loan, Elderlife Financial Services evaluates a senior’s credit score, income and assets. Age is not a deciding factor, nor is a senior’s state of health. Family members and spouses can apply on behalf of a senior who needs care.

Assisted Living Resources in Columbia

Social Security Offices in Columbia

Columbia has two Social Security offices open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays. Seniors can apply for benefits, request new copies of lost or stolen Social Security cards, appeal benefit decisions or ask general questions about Social Security.

Social Security Administration
3402 Buttonwood Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
(800) 772-1213

Social Security Administration
803 Gray Oak Dr, Columbia, Missouri 65201
(800) 772-1213

Veterans Affairs and Military Medical Facilities

Columbia veterans can apply for programs that help seniors with housing costs, assisted living care or other essential expenses. Medical care is also available for qualifying veterans.

Missouri Veterans Commission
601 Business Loop 70 W #214a, Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 882-5135

Welcome Home, Inc.
2120 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 443-8001

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital (VA)
800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 814-6000

Senior Centers

Active seniors can meet friends, make crafts, practice yoga and play bingo at the Columbia Senior Center. The center also serves meals on weekdays and Sundays.

Columbia Senior Center
1121 Business Loop 70 East, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 874-2050