Assisted Living in Columbus, OH

Assisted Living Costs in Columbus

Assisted living costs in Columbus, per Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, are just above the national average of $4000 and below the state average of $4,278. It’s one of the more affordable cities in the state, on par with the Canton Area ($3,798) and Lima ($4,145), and considerably less expensive than Dayton ($5,300) and Cincinnati ($4,998).

• Columbus: $4,170
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,278
• Dayton: $5,300
• Mansfield: $4,530
• Springfield: $3,093
• Cincinnati: $4,998
• Lima: $4,145
• Canton Area: $3,798

Care Cost Comparison

Senior living costs vary greatly depending on the level of care an individual needs. Part-time care, such as adult day health ($1,560), is much less expensive than home health services ($4,195) and assisted living ($4,170), but offers only limited hours. While home health services seem to be in line with assisted living costs, it’s important to consider the added expense of rent or mortgage payments, utilities, upkeep and groceries. These costs are typically included in assisted living fees. Nursing homes are also an inclusive package, but average costs are more than $3,000 over the cost of assisted living.

• Assisted living: $4,170
• Homemaker services: $4,195
• Home health aide: $4,195
• Adult day health: $1,560
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,330

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Columbus

Medicaid in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) can help individuals who have low income and medical needs that go beyond what their income can support. ODM has a network of approximately 130,000 providers who deliver health care to Ohio residents. The agency continues to find new ways to update programs to fit the long-term care needs of those in home and community-based settings.

The ODM has numerous benefits and services, including various types of physicians, urgent care, inpatient and outpatient services, home health, mental health, prescription drugs, transportation, vision, long-term nursing facility and medical supplies and equipment.

To qualify for assistance with medical expenses, applicants must be:

• Age 65 and older, or legally blind, or have a disability that meets Social Security Income (SSI) requirements
• A U.S. Citizen or meet Medicaid citizenship requirements
• An Ohio resident with a valid Social Security number
• A single senior with an income of less than $771 per month
• A senior couple with an income of less than $1,157 per month

If an individual qualifies for Ohio Medicaid, their income is reviewed to determine the amount that is invested in the coverage of care. For more information concerning eligibility, call (800) 324-8680 or apply online.

The Assisted Living Waiver Program

The Assisted Living Waiver Program provides personal support and covers the cost of services to individuals who can benefit from an assisted living residence rather than a nursing home facility. The program pays the costs of care for qualified people with Medicaid, allowing the individual to use their resources to cover the room and board expense. The waiver is intended for Ohio residents age 21 and older. Applicants are assessed based on the level of care needed as well as their income and assets.

For questions concerning The Assisted Living Waiver program, please contact the Ohio Department of Aging at (800) 266-4346.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Residential State Supplement (RSS) Program

This supplementation program financially assists adults with disabilities and provides services, such as accommodations, personal care services and supervision. Participants must reside in eligible living arrangements to be approved for benefits. Facilities are currently licensed by OhioMHAS, and not all assisted living facilities qualify.

In order to meet the eligibility criteria, individual must be:

• Age 18 and older
• Enrolled in Medicaid or eligible
• Receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
• Receiving treatment in a nursing facility and have plans to be discharged, or meet a protective level of care (which will be confirmed during the determination process)
• Residing in or transitioning into an eligible living arrangement

For more information regarding the RSS program, please call (614) 752-9316.

MyCare Ohio

This program is for Ohio residents that receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits and Medicaid-only benefits. MyCare’s primary advantage is that it helps to coordinate care, such as medical, behavioral and long-term care, including services in assisted living facilities. Navigating through all the services that Medicare and Medicaid offer can be overwhelming; MyCare narrows down the benefits that’s suitable to an individual’s needs. The program offers additional services, including transportation, one medical coverage card and person-centered care.

To enroll in MyCare Ohio plan, you must be:

• Age 18 and older
• A resident in Franklin County
• A member of Medicaid and Medicare parts A, B, and D

To speak with a MyCare representative, please call (800) 324-8680.

Assisted Living Resources in Columbus

Senior Centers in Columbus

Senior centers are a wonderful resource for improving seniors well being and gaining access to support groups, learning programs and social activities.

Gillie Senior Center
4625 Morse Center Road, Columbus, OH 43229 
(614) 645-3106

Martin Janice Community Senior Center
600 E 11th Avenue,Columbus, OH 43211 
(614) 645-5954

Barnett Community Center
1184 Barnett Rd., Columbus, OH 43227 
(614) 645-3065

Veterans Affairs

Veterans and their families may find additional financial assistance through the Veterans Administration. Call or visit a facility to find out which benefits are available to you.

Ohio Department of Veteran Services
77 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 
(614)644-0898

Franklin County Veterans Service Commission
280 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 
(614) 525-2500

Area Agency on Aging

These agencies help prepare seniors and caregivers for long-term care with advice and education concerning senior living, senior housing and help at home.

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA)
3776 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 645-7250

Franklin County Office on Aging
280 East Broad St, Room 300, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-5230