Assisted Living in Saint Louis, MO

Assisted Living Costs in Saint Louis

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study reveals monthly assisted living costs for Saint Louis are $500 less than the national average but approximately $700 more than the Missouri average. Monthly expenses for Saint Louis assisted living are comparable to other large cities in the state, such as Kansas City ($4,050) and Columbia ($3,975). Smaller cities, such as Joplin ($2,650) and St. Joseph ($2,550), have prices that reflect the state average. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Saint Louis: $3,500
• 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
• Columbia: $3,975

Care Cost Comparison

The wide range of costs for senior care reflects the types of services. Expenses for assisted living in Saint Louis range from $1,863 to $5,658 per month, with adult day care averaging thousands of dollars less than around-the-clock care in a facility. Home health care costs approximately $4,300 a month, whether seniors choose homemaker services or use a home health aide, which initially appears more affordable than care in a nursing home. However, these seniors likely still have regular living expenses such as rent or mortgage, food and upkeep. In these situations, home health services may be less cost-effective than nursing home care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,500
• Homemaker services: $4,290
• Home health aide: $4,315
• Adult day health: $1,863
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,293

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Saint Louis

Medicaid in Missouri

Medicaid and Medicare help Saint Louis seniors cover medical expenses, including expenses incurred for home health care or at assisted living facilities. Seniors can apply for one program or receive services from both. When seniors receive coverage from both programs, medical providers bill Medicare as the primary provider. Medicaid is the secondary insurer, which means it helps cover health expenses Medicare leaves unpaid.

Missouri Medicaid, also called MO HealthNet, is for low-income seniors at least 65 years old. To qualify, seniors must not exceed state or federal income and asset requirements for medical coverage. Household size affects the guidelines, so a senior who lives alone cannot make as much as a senior who is married. A senior who lives with friends or family members cannot have as much income as a senior who lives with a spouse. Seniors on Social Security income have a monthly income maximum of $771, while seniors who live with loved ones can only make $514 per month.

Disabled seniors automatically qualify for MO HealthNet regardless of income or assets if the disability determination comes from the Social Security Administration or the state of Missouri. However, coverage for seniors is not automatic, so they must apply in person, online, over the phone or via postal mail.

Online Medicaid applications for seniors are available at MyDSS.MO.gov/healthcare. Seniors can also call (800) 735-2966 or visit a local Social Services Department such as the one located at 111 N 7th St, St. Louis. Applications are also accepted via mail.

Missouri Independent Living Waiver

Saint Louis seniors who receive MO HealthNet can apply for the Missouri Independent Living waiver. This waiver is for individuals who are at least 21 years of age rather than just seniors, but seniors are also eligible. Seniors who apply prior to age 65 can remain in the program as long as they still meet the criteria.

The Independent Living waiver provides financial help for seniors who need facility services or in-home care. It covers personal care needs, including specialized medical equipment. 

Seniors can learn more about this program by contacting the Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior and Disability Service or speaking with an MO HealthNet representative at (573) 751-3425.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Supplemental Nursing Care

Seniors who do not wish to age at home can apply for the Supplemental Nursing Care program. The program helps reduce the cost of assisted care in a licensed state facility, such as nursing home or mental health hospital. It also gives recipients a monthly allowance of up to $50 for their personal needs. 

Recipients may also qualify for monthly cash benefits equalling $156 for seniors in residential care facilities and $292 per month for seniors in assisted living facilities. The state covers costs left unpaid by Medicaid or Medicare after a program recipient covers their share of expenses.

Seniors who apply for this waiver must be at least 65 years old. Exceptions apply for disabled applicants who need nursing care; they must be 21 or older. Asset protection is available for spouses who choose to age at home.

Senior Bridge Loans

Senior bridge loans offer short-term financial assistance for qualifying seniors. These loans are meant to fill the gap during the wait for assisted living coverage rather than replace other financing options. Financial benefits usually last one year at most, though some seniors may qualify for extended benefits.

Elderlife Financial Services offers bridge loans for assisted living expenses. Up to six family members can cosign for a loan, and funds are disbursed directly to approved senior living facilities. Some assisted living facilities cover loan interest for qualified seniors, so family members only have to focus on repaying the loan itself.

Medicaid requires members to meet specific income and asset programs, so some seniors are hesitant to take out loans for assisted living care. However, Elderlife bridge loans typically do not affect Medicaid eligibility, so Medicaid recipients can continue to receive medical coverage.

SSI State Supplementary Payments

Seniors who receive federal Social Security Income payments may also qualify for state-funded benefits known as SSI state supplemental payments. These state-funded payments are available in 46 states, including Missouri. Seniors interested in receiving SSI state supplemental payments must meet income and asset requirements that vary by state.

In Missouri, the supplement amount varies based on the type of facility a senior chooses. Marital status also affects benefit amounts. An unmarried senior at a Level 1 residential care facility may receive up to $156 per month, while a married couple may receive up to $312. These figures increase for seniors who choose Level 2 residential care facilities, intermediate care facilities or skilled nursing homes.

The Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division manages SSI state supplementary payments. Seniors with questions about program eligibility or current benefits can contact the Support Division at (573) 751-3221.

Assisted Living Resources in Saint Louis

Senior Centers in Saint Louis

St. Louis senior centers provide amenities and benefits for seniors who want to socialize, exercise, explore the city as a group or enjoy free or reduced-price meals. Services are primarily available on weekday mornings and afternoons, but there are some evening and weekend programs.

St. Louis Activity Center
5602 Arsenal St., St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 645-3477

Northside Youth and Senior Service Center
4120 Maffitt Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113
(314) 531-4161

Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance and medical care for qualifying veterans. Veterans can apply for new benefits, review current benefits or request medical care.

St. Louis Vet Center
2901 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 531-5355

VA St. Louis Regional Office
Charles F. Prevedel Federal Bldg, 9700 Page Ave, St. Louis, MO 63132
(800) 827-1000

U.S. Veterans Affairs Department
4300 Goodfellow Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63120
(314) 538-4500

Social Security Offices

Seniors who have questions about Social Security benefits or the application process can seek help at Social Security offices throughout the Saint Louis area. Walk-in appointments are available on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with the exception of Wednesdays, when the offices close at 12 p.m.

Social Security Administration
5669 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
(800) 772-1213

Social Security Administration
717 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
(800) 772-1213

Social Security Administration
8800 Watson Rd #100, St. Louis, MO 63119
(800) 772-1213