Assisted Living in Rapid City, SD

Assisted Living Costs in Rapid City

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, seniors living in Rapid City pay an average of $3,925 per month for assisted living care. That’s $75 less per month than the national average but over $400 more when compared with the state average. Nearby in Sioux Falls, seniors pay a substantially lower price of $3,125 per month, the lowest price in South Dakota.

Cities in neighboring states, the cost tends to vary. In Bismarck, North Dakota, the price is $375 less than in Rapid City, while in Billings, Montana, it’s just $45 more.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care tends to differ depending on the level of care needed. In Rapid City, assisted living is the most affordable type of full-time care available to seniors. The average cost is less than half that of nursing home care and more than $1,000 cheaper than home care services. When taking into account all of the additional costs associated with living at home, such as rent, utilities and general upkeep, the cost of home care works out to a substantially higher rate, while the cost of assisted living is usually all-inclusive. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Rapid City

Medicaid in South Dakota

The Department of Social Services operates South Dakota’s Medicaid program. It provides care to low-income families and individuals throughout the state and offers special programs to seniors and disabled persons who require long-term care. Under the standard state plan, Medicaid beneficiaries receive access to health care services, such as primary care, hospital care, prescription medications and mental health services, at no cost. 

Qualifying for Medicaid

To qualify for Medicaid assistance as an elderly person, the applicant’s income must be at or below $771 per month for single people and $1,157 per month for married couples. Single applicants can’t own more than $2,000 in countable assets, while married applicants are limited to $3,000. Medicaid considers all income sources when determining an applicant’s eligibility; however, some assets, such as the applicant’s personal belongings and the house they or their spouse lives in, are exempt.

Spend-Down Provision 

Seniors who don’t meet Medicaid’s financial requirements may be able to qualify under the state’s spend-down program, which is available to those who have unusually high medical expenses. It allows participants to pay their medical bills before counting income toward Medicaid eligibility requirements. Those who choose to make use of the state’s spend-down exception should consider employing the assistance of a Medicaid planner to ensure they’re spending within the parameters of the program.

Seniors can apply for Medicaid online via the South Dakota Department of Social Services’ website or call (605) 773-3165 for more information.

Long-Term Services and Supports

The Long-Term Services and Supports waiver provides seniors with personal care services whether they live at home or in an assisted living facility. In addition to personal care, seniors participating in this waiver receive access to private-duty nursing, emergency response systems and specialized medical equipment if necessary. 

To qualify for this waiver, applicants must be at least 60 years of age. Financially, applicants must be eligible for the state Medicaid plan.

Seniors can be referred to the program by a social services worker or a medical professional, or they can apply online. More information can be obtained by calling (605) 773-5990.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can help seniors to pay for the cost of long-term care including assisted living, home care and nursing home care. Most providers require policyholders to purchase their insurance before the need for long-term care exists and while they’re in good health. The price and terms of these policies vary depending on the provider, deductible and amount of insurance purchased. 

For assistance with understanding long-term care insurance, seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Optional State Supplement

Optional state supplements are paid to low-income aged and disabled persons who receive Supplemental Security Income from the federal government. These payments are meant to provide additional cash to help pay for long-term care and expenses that Medicaid and state funding don’t cover. The amount of the OSS varies depending on the beneficiary’s living situation, but for those in assisted living facilities, it may be as high as $765 per month.

In most cases, seniors should be automatically enrolled in OSS programs when they apply for SSI payments. More information can be obtained from the Social Security Administration by calling (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in Rapid City

Senior Center in Rapid City

The Minneluzahan Senior Center offers seniors a variety of activities every day that encourage them to spend time learning and embracing an active lifestyle. Some of the programs that seniors can partake in include fitness classes, thrift shopping, congregate meals and computer courses. 

Minneluzahan Senior Center
315 N. 4 St., Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-1887

Veterans Services in Rapid City

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of benefits to seniors and other individuals who have served in branches of the U.S. military. Seniors may benefit from VA programs, such as medical and disability coverage or the Veterans Aid and Attendance pension benefit. To receive more information or apply, seniors can visit the Rapid City Vet Center.

Seniors who qualify for VA medical benefits can receive care at the Rapid City VA Clinic, which provides services, such as primary care, lab work and prescription medications.

Rapid City Vet Center
521 6 St., Suite 101, Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 348-0077

Rapid City VA Clinic
3625 5 St., Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 718-1095

Area Agency on Aging

The South Dakota Department on Aging and Elder Services acts as the Area Agency on Aging for the Rapid City area. It provides a variety of services, including healthy aging programs, case management, transportation services and caregiver training. 

South Dakota Department on Aging and Elder Services
3800 East Hwy. 34, Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-5990