Assisted Living in Berks County, PA

Assisted Living Costs in Berks County

The average cost of assisted living in Berks County is $3,400 per month, which is low when when compared with some of the biggest cities in Pennsylvania, including Erie ($4,588) and Philadelphia ($5,318). According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2018, the national average cost of assisted living is $4,000 and the state average is just above the cost in Berks County at $3,750 per month. The least expensive assisted living costs in the state can be found in Gettysburg, where the average monthly cost is just $300 below Berks County at $3,100 per month.

Note: Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Berks County. Data for the nearest major city, Reading, has been used instead. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

In most cities across the United States, the cost of senior living varies significantly depending on the type of care required, and in Berks County, this is particularly true. While assisted living is $3,400 per month, the cost of nursing home care is nearly $8,000 higher at $11,209 per month. Home care services are priced much closer to assisted living at $4,362 per month; however, when factoring in additional housing costs such as rent, utilities and general upkeep, this cost grows considerably higher. In assisted living facilities, these expenses are generally included in the total price.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Berks County

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s state Medicaid plan is called Medical Assistance. MA is administered by the state of Pennsylvania and receives financial support from the federal government. The plan provides low-income Pennsylvanians with health insurance that covers the cost of a variety of health care services including primary care, dental care, hospital services and prescription medications. While the program covers the cost of some home care services and long-term nursing care, the state’s standard plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living. However, there may be other Medicaid options available to those who need help paying for care in an assisted living facility.

To be eligible for the state’s standard MA, Pennsylvania residents age 65 and older must have a maximum income of $793.10 per month and no more than $2,000 in countable assets. Asset exemptions include the applicant’s home, as well as their personal belongings and a single vehicle. 

To apply for MA or to learn more about eligibility and benefits, seniors can call The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at (866) 550-4355 or apply online. 

Community HealthChoices

The Community HealthChoices program is a Medicaid managed care program that provides a variety of services to seniors and disabled persons who require a nursing level of care. The program focuses on providing care that helps its participants delay or avoid the need for nursing home admission with the intention of reducing the cost of care. While it doesn’t explicitly pay for the cost of assisted living, Community HealthChoices does cover a broad range of services that are frequently accessed by those who reside in assisted living facilities and provides its participants with case management services. Some of the other services covered by this program include personal care, primary care, prescription medications, nonmedical transportation and occupational and physical therapy.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare or require a nursing level of care. To qualify based on need, applicants must undergo a comprehensive physical and cognitive care assessment. 

To apply for this program or inquire about the benefits it includes, seniors can call the Office of Long Term Living Provider Call Center at (800) 932-0939. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

LIFE

LIFE is a non-Medicaid, state-funded managed care program that’s available to seniors age 55 and up. The program’s participants receive all health care services from providers who operate within the LIFE network in their county. Like the Community HealthChoices program, LIFE doesn’t explicitly cover the cost of assisted living; however, the range of services it provides is broad and includes things such as personal care, socialization activities, social services and nursing care, which are typically services that are accessed by seniors who reside in assisted living facilities.

Services provided are determined by a case manager, and the cost of the program is determined by a sliding scale that’s based on income. Those with little to no income may be eligible for services at no cost, while others may have the option to pay for their services. 

To be eligible for LIFE, applicants must be 55 years of age or older and require a nursing or rehabilitation level of care. They are also required to be able to reside safely outside of a nursing care facility or hospital. 

Seniors living in Berks County can apply for LIFE by calling Senior LIFE Reading at (610) 404-3200.

Optional State Supplement

The Optional State Supplement program in Pennsylvania helps low-income seniors and disabled persons with the cost of long-term care. The OSS is a cash benefit that’s combined with Supplemental Security Income. While the amount varies depending on the recipient’s living situation, it may be as high as $439.30 for individuals or $957.40 for married couples each month.

To qualify, applicants must be receiving the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. Seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to apply or to learn more.

Assisted Living Resources in Berks County

Senior Centers in Berks County

There are a variety of senior centers located throughout Berks County that provide the area’s senior citizens with services and programs designed to enrich their quality of life. While offerings vary from center to center, many provide seminars on health and technology, as well as live entertainment, group outings, meals and social activities. 

Berks Encore Senior Centers 
(Various locations)
(610) 374-3195

The Center at Spring Street
200 W Spring St, Boyertown, PA
(610) 367-2313

Mami Angie’s Casa De La Amistad Senior Center
501 Washington St 2nd Fl, Reading, PA 19601
(610) 685-1284

Area Agency on Aging

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging offers seniors, their families and their caregivers a comprehensive list of services that aim to increase senior independence and protect the dignity of Pennsylvania’s aging population. Services provided include mobility assistance programs, support groups, caregiver training and benefits assistance.

Berks County Area Agency on Aging
633 Court St, Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6500

Veterans Services

Veterans Affairs helps veterans and their spouses and dependents, including survivors, by providing a range of benefits including financial aid, housing assistance and health care services. More information can be obtained by contacting the Berks County Veterans Affairs office. 

Berks County Veterans Affairs
726 Cherry St, Reading, PA 19602
(610) 378-5601