9 Assisted Living Communities in New Braunfels, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,975 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 9 Assisted Living Communities in New Braunfels and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in New Braunfels, TX

• Assisted Living: $3,975
• Nursing Home Care: $4,715
• In-home Care: $3,718
• Adult Day Health Services: $867

New Braunfels is part of the San Antonio metropolitan area. Data from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study shows New Braunfels’ average monthly cost for assisted living exceeds the state average of $3,795 by approximately $200 but falls just below the national average of $4,000. Texas cities with monthly assisted living expenses similar to New Braunfels ($3,975) include Waco ($3,695) and the College Station area ($3,995). Monthly costs for assisted living are higher in San Angelo ($4,450) and the Austin area ($5,190).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for New Braunfels, so data for the closest city, San Antonio, was used.

Numerous factors determine the price of assisted living in New Braunfels, including the type of care and its duration. Seniors who need part-time care may benefit from day health services, which cost $867 per month. These are significantly cheaper than other types of senior care, which range from $3,718 to $6,083 per month. However, while costs may initially seem high, seniors should consider the financial impact of aging at home versus an assisted living community or nursing home. Aging at home requires expenses for mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries, household maintenance and upkeep. When seniors reside in an assisted living community, these expenses are often included in their monthly fees.

 

Eligible low-income seniors in New Braunfels may participate in Medicaid, a federal- and state-funded health insurance program. Medicaid provides coverage for numerous routine and emergency health services, including X-rays, laboratory tests, primary and specialty care physician appointments, prescription medications and emergency room visits. Participants may request transportation for nonemergency medical appointments and visits to a drug store to pick up prescriptions or other health-related necessities. 

To qualify for Medicaid and maintain coverage, single Texas residents aged 65 and older must not have a monthly income higher than $771. The monthly income limit increases to a combined total of $1,057 for married applicants. The program typically caps asset limits, which include bank accounts and savings bonds, at $2,000 for individual applicants and $3,000 for married couples. Limits are higher for institutional and nursing home Medicaid recipients. 

Some assets are excluded from the state-mandated limits. Seniors can typically remain in their primary home if its value is less than $585,000; they can also keep one automobile for transportation. However, rental property or secondary homes, such as a home or condo that’s not the primary residence, may count toward the asset limit for Medicaid.

Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services help limit out-of-pocket expenses for program participants. Seniors can also combine Medicaid coverage with Medicare. Assisted living facilities bill Medicare first because it’s considered the primary insurer, and then Medicaid, the secondary insurer, helps reduce any remaining expenses. However, Medicaid waivers are not available for room and board costs.

Eligibility for the following waiver programs is based on applicants’ age, income and medical necessity. Applicants must be 21 or older, require a nursing home level of care yet be able to successfully manage symptoms with in-home assistance and demonstrate Medicaid eligibility. Participants cannot enroll in multiple waiver programs at the same time. Monthly income limits are capped at $2,313 for individuals, while married couples can earn up to $4,626 per month. Regular Medicaid asset limits apply.

To apply for Medicaid in Texas, dial 2-1-1 for assistance. Seniors should visit a community partner, submit a paper application or apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com.

The STAR+PLUS Waiver

The STAR+PLUS waiver is a limited-enrollment Medicaid managed care program. It covers qualifying assisted living expenses, including personal care services, home nursing services, medical equipment and supplies, in-home and out-of-home respite care and cognitive rehabilitation. Various types of therapy, including speech, occupational and physical therapy, are also provided. This long-term care program helps recipients remain in their homes with support from program-approved caregivers and medical providers.

The Community First Choice Program

 CFC, officially called the Community First Choice program, is an entitlement program, meaning all Medicaid-eligible applicants are guaranteed program enrollment and benefits. Benefits include services that help participants maintain independence, such as bathing assistance and housekeeping. Emergency response services are also available.

Day Activity and Health Services

Day Activity and Health Services is an adult day care program that helps members remain in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home. This Medicaid program provides weekday services during traditional business hours, including medication management, ADL assistance, social activities and transportation services. Participants may receive services up to 10 hours per day, five days per week.

For more information concerning Medicaid and waiver benefits, seniors can apply online or call the hotline at (800) 252-8263. 

Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services offers temporary assistance for assisted living needs. This lender provides short-term bridge loans to seniors who are currently unable to afford assisted living expenses but anticipate having sufficient income within the next six to 12 months. This may include seniors who are waiting for the disbursement of pension funds, life insurance benefits or proceeds from the sale of a home.

Funds are administered directly to senior living facilities, and application approval often occurs within 24 hours. The money is available via monthly installments or a lump sum to meet the needs of recipients.

Elderlife accepts individual applications, but seniors can also apply with up to six family members. This is ideal for seniors who lack the credit or income and assets that a bridge loan requires.

For additional information, seniors can contact Elderlife via phone at (888) 228-4500 or apply online. 

SSI State Supplementary Payments

SSI state supplementary payments are available in Texas, but approval isn’t guaranteed. The funds are limited to Social Security recipients who reside in Medicaid-licensed facilities, and $60 is the maximum benefit available for qualifying individuals.

Contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services at (254) 778-6744 with questions about the application process for state-supplemented Social Security payments.

New Braunfels veterans may qualify for medical assistance and other benefits administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Interested veterans may apply over the phone or request services in person at one of the offices below.

Comal County Veterans Services
297 Church Hill Drive, Suite 209, New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-1170

VA Clinic
705 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 643-0717

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.