Assisted Living in York, PA

Assisted Living Costs in York

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living facilities in York ($4,145) is several hundred dollars more than the state average ($3,750). Other areas, such as Altoona ($3,765), Bloomsburg ($3,600), Gettysburg ($3,100) and Williamsport ($3,225), are less costly. York, however, is not the state’s most expensive region; its average monthly costs are exceeded by Erie ($4,588), Harrisburg ($4,418) and Lancaster ($4,350).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• York: $4,145
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,750
• Altoona: $3,765
• Bloomsburg: $3,600
• Gettysburg: $3,100
• Erie: $4,588
• Harrisburg area: $4,418
• Lancaster: $4,350

Care Cost Comparison

The costs of long-term care treatments vary by type of care. While assisted living costs in York may appear to be high priced, they’re much less expensive than the average costs of nursing home care in the city. The monthly costs of semiprivate rooms ($10,494) and private rooms ($11,589) are more than double the costs of assisted living facilities ($4,145). This disparity between assisted living facilities and in-home care is less pronounced; the average monthly cost of homemaker services ($4,385) tops the cost of assisted living by about $200. When assessing comparable costs, however, seniors should consider the expenses associated with each style of living. Assisted living costs typically include expenses, such as room and board, food and utilities. When seniors choose to remain at home, however, they must make room in their budget for standard and unforeseen expenses.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,145
• Homemaker services: $4,385
• Home health aide: $4,385
• Adult day health: $1,603
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $10,494

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in York

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the state Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance (MA). Applicants who are 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled are eligible for Medical Assistance.

With MA programs, seniors receive basic benefits, including dental care, eye care, in-patient hospital services, prescriptions, X-ray services, medical equipment and behavioral health services. Depending on the program, individuals may also be able to access care management and coordination of care programs.

To be eligible for the NMP Medical Assistance program, applicants must have monthly income below $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for two people, a valid ID card, a Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Medical Assistance is open to residents of the U.S., refugees and certain lawfully admitted aliens.

York Seniors can apply for Medical Assistance via the online COMPASS tool, where applicants can sign up for health care programs, renew benefits and learn more about Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Individuals can also fill out a paper application or call (866) 550-4355.

Most York seniors eligible for the Medical Assistance program will receive managed care from the HealthChoices zone. Once accepted, seniors will receive an ACCESS card in the mail, which they will use to access health benefits. Seniors must then select a health plan and Primary Care Physician (PCP). Seniors in York can choose health care plans from providers, including Aetna Better Health, AmeriHealth Caritas PA, Gateway Health Plan, Inc., United Healthcare Community Plan and UPMC for You.  

The standard Medical Assistance program doesn’t cover assisted living costs. In the section below, you can learn more about potential financing options. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In Pennsylvania, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the primary way seniors on Medicaid finance assisted living costs. Medical Assistance provides the senior population of Pennsylvania with several waiver programs. These waivers don’t fund the costs of assisted living facilities, however, which are often referred to as personal care homes (PCHs).

The PA Department of Human Services is responsible for regulating licensed PCHs. Under the DHS guidelines, PCHs must provide shelter, supervision, meals and assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs). If York seniors need financial assistance to fund long-term PCH care, they should consider applying for SSI. This program, which provides limited-resource individuals with a monthly income, can be used to fund PCH costs.

To receive SSI, York seniors must meet certain eligibility requirements:

• Individuals must be 65 years or older
• Individuals must have little to no monthly income
• Individuals must not possess property with a total value greater than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for married couples (The value of certain properties, such as homes and cars, is usually excluded from this calculation)

Eligible seniors who wish to reside in personal care homes will receive the Personal Care Boarding Home (PCBH) monthly payment. This single payment, which includes federal and state funds, may total up to $1,210.30 (individual) or $2,114.40 (couple) per month. Included in this supplement is a Personal Needs Allowance (PNA). While most of the PCBH payment goes towards the recipient’s care, the PNA can be used for personal expenses. 

To learn more, call (800) 772-1213. 

Community HealthChoices

Between 2018 and 2020, Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is transitioning away from its old system of Medical Assistance waivers. DHS is phasing in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver. Seniors living in York may be impacted by Phase 3 of the transition, which will be implemented in January 2020. CHC cannot be used to cover the costs of room and board in assisted living facilities. However, seniors living in assisted living facilities can receive CHC services in that setting. 

For more information on CHC, please call (866) 542-0299

Assisted Living Resources in York

County Assistance Office

If seniors want to obtain a Medical Assistance application or need helpl completing their application, they can visit the York County Assistance Office.

York County Assistance Office
130 N. Duke Street, P.O. Box 15041, York, PA 17405-7041
(717) 771-1100

Agency on Aging

The York County Agency on Aging provides local seniors with community-based resources and services. Seniors can contact the office to learn about health insurance, HCBS programs, legal services, long-term care options and transportation services.

York County Area Agency on Aging
100 West Market Street, York, PA 17401
(717) 771-9610

Social Security Office

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the best ways for York seniors to finance assisted living costs. The local Social Security office can help seniors apply for SSI, retirement or disability benefits.

US Social Security Administration
2670 Industrial Hwy Suite 2, York, Pennsylvania 17402
(888) 329-5732