Assisted Living in Lehigh County, PA

Assisted Living Costs in Lehigh County

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Lehigh County is right on par with the state average ($3,750). It’s slightly below the national average of $4,000 and considerably lower than the cost in several other major cities throughout Pennsylvania, including Erie ($4,588), Lancaster ($4,350) and Philadelphia ($5,318). While Lehigh County is less expensive than in some of the larger cities in the state, more affordable care can be found in several other areas, such as Gettysburg ($3,100), Pittsburgh ($3,150) and Williamsport ($3,225). 

Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Lehigh County. Data for the nearest major city, Allentown, has been used instead. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Lehigh County/Allentown: $3,750
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,750
• Erie: $4,588
• Gettysburg: $3,100
• Lancaster: $4,350
• Philadelphia: $5,318
• Pittsburgh: $3,150
• Williamsport: $3,225

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of care depends greatly on the type of care an individual requires. In Lehigh County, this is evident when comparing the cost of nursing home care to other types of care. At $11,254, nursing home care is more than three times the average cost of assisted living. Home care costs, which average $4,195 per month, are approximately $445 higher than assisted living. For seniors considering living at home as an alternative to assisted living care, it’s important to also budget for expenses, such as rent, groceries and utilities, which are usually included in assisted living costs. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,750
• Homemaker services: $4,195
• Home health aide: $4,195
• Adult day health: $1,408
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $11,254

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lehigh County

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the state’s standard Medicaid plan is known officially as Medical Assistance (MA). It’s administered and funded by the state and receives financial support from the federal government. MA covers the cost of health care services for low-income residents of Pennsylvania. Covered services include doctor visits, prescription medications, hospitalization and dental care. Although the cost of assisted living isn’t covered by the standard MA plan, there are other Medicaid options available to seniors in Pennsylvania to cover these expenses. 

To qualify for MA, Pennsylvania residents aged 65 and over must meet specific financial requirements, which stipulate that income may not exceed $2,313 per month. Countable assets may not surpass $2,000, although Pennsylvania allows an extra $6,000 disregard exemption to those with monthly income below $2,199.

To apply for MA or to learn more about eligibility and benefits, seniors can call (866) 550-4355 or apply online. 

Community HealthChoices

The Community HealthChoices program is a waiver that’s available to seniors living in Pennsylvania who require a nursing level of care but wish to continue living at home or in their community. The program was created in 2018 with the intention of reducing the number of seniors entering into nursing home care, which is very expensive in Pennsylvania. The program covers the cost of personal care and assisted living services both at home and in assisted living facilities. Depending on the participant’s needs, it may also cover transportation, nurse visits, occupational or physical therapy and counseling services. 

To qualify for the Community HealthChoices program, seniors must be dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or require a nursing level of care as determined by a care assessment conducted by a medical professional. Financially, requirements for this waiver are the same as for MA. 

To apply for this program or inquire about the benefits it includes, seniors can call (800) 932-0939. 

The Aging Waiver 

The Aging waiver is a home and community based services waiver that provides seniors with another option to receive financial assistance with the cost of assisted living. It covers a range of fees for seniors who live at home or in assisted living facilities, including personal care, accessibility equipment, nonmedical transportation, service coordination and counseling services. 

To qualify for the aging waiver, applicants must be 60 years of age or older and require a skilled-nursing level of care. Financial requirements can be obtained by contacting the Lehigh County Assistance Office at (877) 223-5956. To apply for this waiver, seniors can call (800) 753-8827.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

Pennsylvania’s Optional State Supplement program provides a cash benefit to low-income seniors or disabled persons who receive long-term care. The benefit was created to help these individuals pay for costs that aren’t covered by Medicaid, such as room and board. The maximum monthly payout is $439.30 (individual) or $957.40 (couple) per month. 

To qualify for this supplement, seniors must be receiving the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. To apply for this benefit, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration office at (800) 772-1213. 

LIFE

LIFE is an all-inclusive managed care program that’s available to elderly individuals throughout Pennsylvania. Those who participate in the program receive all health care services from LIFE providers, including assisted living, primary medical care, prescription medications and social services. Coverage is determined by a sliding scale, meaning those with the lowest income are eligible for no-cost care, while those with high income may be required to pay for services. 

To be eligible for LIFE, applicants must be aged 55 or older and require a level of care that’s typically provided in a nursing or rehabilitation facility. They must also be able to live safely within their own home or community. 

Seniors living in Lehigh County can apply for LIFE by calling Senior Life Lehigh Valley at (610) 954-5433. 

Assisted Living Resources in Lehigh County

Senior Centers in Lehigh County

Senior centers provide elderly individuals with a community gathering place. They typically offer an assortment of programs, such as fitness classes, bingo, card games and senior dances.

Lehigh County Neighborhood Senior Centers
(Various Locations)
(610) 782-3000

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits to those who have served in the military and their immediate family members. Typically, these benefits include financial assistance and free health care, which can be obtained in VA clinics throughout the country. 

Lehigh County Veterans Affairs
17 South 7th Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
(610) 782-3295

Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging work with seniors to connect them with resources and programming that enhance their quality of life. Other services that may be provided include long-term-care ombudsman services and benefits assistance. 

Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
17 South 7th Street, #230, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
(610) 782-3034