Assisted Living in New York,NY

Assisted Living Costs in New York

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, at a monthly average cost of $5,916, assisted living in New York City is the highest in the state. It’s also significantly higher than both the national ($4,000) and state ($4,185) averages. In New York State, city size isn’t commensurate with cost. For instance, smaller cities, such as Kingston ($4,100), are much closer to the state average, while others, including Ithaca, ($5,000), are more expensive. Overall, assisted living in cities across the state is more expensive than in rural areas.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The costs for senior care depend heavily upon the degree of care and the location. In New York, the cost for nursing home care is more than double the cost for assisted living and nearly three times the cost of home health care. Assisted living is moderately more expensive than homemaker services and home health aides, yet it does contain the costs associated with staying at home, such as rent and upkeep. When considering options, remember that these expenses — including food, environmental modifications and assistive technology — all need to be factored into the overall cost of home health care.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New York

Medicaid in New York

Low-income, low-asset New York residents of all ages may be eligible for Medicaid, the nationwide health insurance program. Federally and state funded, Medicaid covers costs associated with long-term care, including doctors visits and nursing home care. In New York, coverage for long-term care under Medicaid falls under the Managed Long-Term Care Medicaid Plan

In addition to U.S. citizenship and New York State residency, applicants aged 65 and older must earn no more than $10,300 for individuals or $15,200 for couples annually and possess no more than $15,450 (individuals) or $22,800 (couples) in assets. Medicaid considers income from any source when determining eligibility, and in addition to wages, this includes IRA payments, pensions, alimony and Supplemental Security Income. Countable assets include stocks, bonds, bank accounts, vacation homes and properties. However, certain assets are excluded, and these include one car, household goods, burial funds up to $1,500, prepaid funeral arrangements and a principal residence valued at $858,000 or less. If the applicant’s spouse currently resides in the home, it’s considered exempt regardless of value.

Those with yearly incomes over the Medicaid limit may still qualify through the Medicaid Excess Income Program. Eligibility depends on evidence that excess income is spent on medical bills, and over-the-limit amounts are determined by your Medicaid caseworker. To apply for Medicaid or learn more about about the Excess Income Program, contact New York’s Human Resources Administration at (718) 557-1399.

Managed Long-Term Care
The MLT system is designed to help those who require a nursing home level of care but prefer to remain in their homes and communities. The Medicaid plan brings seniors services and supports to their homes or within their communities, including nurses, home health aides and physical therapists; assistance with grocery shopping, dressing and bathing; home-delivered meals; speciality therapies, such as occupational and physical; and transportation to medical appointments. For questions regarding MLT Medicaid, contact New York Medicaid Choice at (888) 401-6582.

Assisted Living Program
ALP provides all the services an assisted living resident would receive. This program is available to Medicaid recipients as well as private payers, but both must be medically eligible for a nursing home level of care in order to qualify. Enrollment is limited, and nearly 85% of beneficiaries receive Medicaid. Those interested can contact the ALP directly, but Medicaid recipients must first have their ALP services approved by New York’s Human Resources Administration. 

ALP services include:

• Case managers
• Personal care
• Room and board
• Personal emergency response services
• Physical, occupational and speech therapies
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Home health services
• Nursing

To learn more about ALP, contact the New York State Department of Health at (800) 342-3720 or (212) 368-4500.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE
PACE, the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is available for New York residents aged 55 and older who need a nursing home level of care but wish to remain in their homes or the community. Provided by a team of health care providers, PACE offers health and personal services, therapies, meals, transportation and all medical services, including specialty care, doctor visits, clinic visits and chiropractic care. Applicants must qualify for a nursing home level of care to receive PACE. To learn more, contact New York Medicaid Choice at (888) 401-6582. 

New York State Supplement Program
New York residents aged 65 and older of limited financial means may qualify for SSP, a Social Security top-up program. Benefits depend on location, income and living arrangements. Funds, which are typically direct deposited, can be used to pay for costs associated with assisted living, such as room and board. The maximum monthly OSS amount for individuals is $1,206 (or $2,412 for couples). To learn more about the New York State Supplement Program, contact one of the local New York Social Security Offices or call (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in New York

Area Agency on Aging

In New York, the the local AAA office (Department for the Aging) is the central hub for senior-related resources, information and support. The many senior centers across New York offering enriching activities are listed here. Clubs for art, music and walking, technology classes and recreational trips are some of the programs. Transportation is available, and seniors have access to wellness workshops and benefits screenings. For a complete listing of all that DFTA offers, visit online or contact at address below.

New York Department for the Aging
2 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10007
(212) 602-4180

Veterans Affairs

New York veterans can receive information and assistance regarding VA benefits at the New York Regional Office. Seniors who have a service-related disability may be eligible for the No Veteran is an Island program, which provides training, support and education to improve the quality of life for those living with PTSD. Beneficiaries requiring medical attention may visit the Manhattan campus of the NY Harbor Health Care System.

New York Regional Office
245 W. Houston Street, New York, NY 10014
(800) 827-1000

VA New York Harbor Health Care System
423 E. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
(212) 686-7500