Assisted Living in Henrico County, VA

Assisted Living Costs in Henrico County

Data from the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study reveals that seniors in Henrico County pay the highest assisted living rates statewide. Monthly costs here are almost $500 above the state average ($4,451) and close to $1,000 over the national average of $4,000. Prices in most areas of Virginia are in the $4,000s per month, including in Blacksburg ($4,695), Charlottesville ($4,577) and Harrisonburg ($4,100). The lone exception is Lynchburg, which has the state’s lowest average cost at $3,695 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data specific to Henrico County wasn’t available, so data for the greater Richmond area was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs in Henrico County vary significantly depending on the type of care, the specific services offered and where care is received. Nursing homes  that provide 24-hour skilled care and services, such as medication management, cost about $3,000 more than assisted living, which is also provided in a residential setting. Homemaker and home health aide services cost about $1,000 per month less than assisted living. When the value of assisted living room and board is factored in, this price gap with in-home care becomes noticeably narrow.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Henrico County

Medicaid in Virginia

Medicaid is the federal and state-funded program that ensures basic health care coverage to low-income Americans of all ages. This joint initiative is administered at the state level according to federal guidelines. In Virginia, the Department of Medical Assistance Services administers the program, which provides medical and long-term care services to about one million eligible state residents.

To qualify for Medical Assistance coverage for long-term care services, Henrico County residents must:

• Be U.S. citizens or legal aliens
• Have a monthly income of $2,313 or less per individual whether married or single
• Have no more than $2,000 in countable assets per person

MA counts income from all sources when determining eligibility. Assets that count include cash, bank account balances, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts and real estate other than an occupied primary home. Additional exempt assets include household and personal effects, one automobile and irrevocable burial trusts. 

Virginia Medical Assistance provides some leeway on the above limits for a married applicant whose spouse isn’t applying for coverage. An individual who’s over the income and asset thresholds may be able to qualify after spousal living and resource allowances are made, which can be up to $3,160.50 in monthly income and $126,420 in jointly held assets.

Seniors can apply for Virginia Medical Assistance online, by calling (855) 242-8282 or in person at one of the two Social Services offices located in Henrico.

Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver

The Medical Assistance program covers institutional long-term care in a nursing home as an entitlement. The Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver is available for eligible seniors who want to live at home or in a community-based care setting and delay or prevent nursing home admission. The waiver provides comprehensive medical services and long-term care supports and services through six approved managed care health plan providers. The waiver benefits a senior may receive include:

• Case management
• Medical care
• Transition assistance to relocate from a nursing home
• Personal care services
• Necessary durable medical equipment
• Assistive technologies
• Private-duty nursing care
• Prescription medications
• Medical transportation

Virginia residents aged 65 and older in need of medical services or long-term care are enrolled automatically in the CCC Plus waiver program if they’re approved for Medical Assistance. To receive coverage, applicants must have an income of less than 300% of the Supplemental Security Income benefit rate, which equates to $2,313 or less in monthly income, and meet the Medicaid program’s asset limits.

To learn more about the program or begin the application process by scheduling a screening assessment, Henrico County seniors can contact the CCC Plus enrollment helpline at (844) 374-9159.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Virginia Auxiliary Grant

Henrico county residents aged 65 or older with limited income and assets may be eligible for a monthly benefit payment from the Virginia Auxiliary Grant program. These extra funds may be used to cover the cost of care services and accommodations. To apply, seniors must be currently living in or entering a participating assisted living facility and:

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
• Be assessed as meeting the program’s functional requirements for assistance
• Have a monthly income below the approved Auxiliary Grant amount, which is $1,296
• Have total countable assets of $2,000 or less per individual or $3,000 for a married couple
• Apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits

Approved seniors receive a monthly benefit that includes a personal needs allowance and a payment to their facility to cover services and supports such as:

• Provision of a furnished room
• Prepared meals and snacks
• Personal care and help completing activities of daily living
• Medication oversight and administration
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Social and recreational activities
• General supervision to ensure safety
• Transportation to medical appointments

To learn more about the Auxiliary Grant program or to begin the assessment and application process, seniors should contact Henrico County DSS at (804) 501-4001.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who are planning ahead for a future move to assisted living may be interested in purchasing a long-term care insurance policy to help cover the associated costs. The coverage provided as well as the requirements and limitations of an LTC policy can vary between insurance companies, so it’s wise to shop around and ask questions before making a choice. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance sets standards for LTC policies offered in the state, such as built-in inflation protection, rules regarding preexisting condition coverage, a 30-day free-look provision and numerous others. Seniors can expect to provide details of their health history when applying, which may affect coverage availability and premium costs.

For help understanding the details included in an LTC insurance policy or assistance with filing a claim, Henrico County seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Henrico County

County Advocate for the Aging

The Henrico County Advocate for the Aging office works to keep residents aged 60 and older healthy, independent and engaged in their communities. The agency acts as a central information source about county senior clubs and leagues, assistance programs, supplemental nutritional support, transportation services and emergency financial aid. The Advocate’s office also provides long-term care screenings and referrals to available county and state benefits and services.

Advocate for the Aging’s Office
4301 E. Parham Rd., Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 501-5065

Senior Legal Assistance

The Central Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free legal representation and advice to qualified Henrico County residents aged 60 or older. The nonprofit law firm typically provides assistance that includes wills and powers of attorney; consumer law; health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare; public benefits, such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income; VA benefits and nursing home care or discharges.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
101 W. Broad St., Ste. 101, Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 648-1012

Veterans Resources

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services office in Henrico is available to assist local veterans with VA benefit and pension applications and appeals. A comprehensive range of health care services is available at the VA Medical Center in nearby Richmond, including primary and specialist care, surgery, neurology, rehabilitation and therapeutic health services.

Virginia DVS Henrico Office
121 Cedar Fork Rd., Rm. 412, Henrico, Virginia 23223
(804) 952-6112

Richmond VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA 23249
(804) 675-5000