Assisted Living in Issaquah, WA

Assisted Living Costs in Issaquah

Issaquah’s assisted living costs are the highest in the state at $5,750 per month, per Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. The Bremerton area is nearly as expensive at $5,720 per month. Both cities are significantly more expensive than the Washington State ($5,135) and national ($4,000) averages.

Some of the state’s major cities offer relatively affordable assisted living care. Spokane’s care costs are the lowest in the state at $4,000. At $4,250 each, Bellingham and the Olympia Area are nearly as inexpensive.

Note: Since senior care cost data wasn’t available for Issaquah, data for Seattle, the closest major city, was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Issaquah: $5,750
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $5,135
• Bellingham: $4,250
• Bremerton Area: $5,720
• Mount Vernon Area: $5,125
• Olympia Area: $4,250
• Spokane: $4,000
• Wenatchee: $4,125

Care Cost Comparison

The monthly cost of senior care services vary based on the type of care provided. Nursing homes are the most expensive type of care in Issaquah, costing nearly $3,500 more per month than assisted living. Homemaker and home health aide services, which average $6,092 per month, are slightly more expensive than assisted living. When considering these in-home options, seniors should remember to include the other costs of staying at home. Rent, food, utilities and other monthly expenses are usually included in the price of assisted living.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,750
• Homemaker services: $6,092
• Home health aide: $6,092
• Adult day health: $1,317
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,243

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Issaquah

Medicaid in Washington

Medicaid is a government program that provides health care benefits to low-income Americans. Washington State’s Medicaid program is known as Apple Health. It provides coverage for doctors appointments, emergency medical care, hospitalizations, laboratory services, transportation to medical appointments and many other services. Apple Health may also pay for assisted living services through the Community First Choice Option Medicaid waiver.

Washington State residents who are age 65 and older may qualify for Apple Health coverage if they meet the program’s financial requirements. The monthly income limit is $771 for a single-person household and $1,157 for a two-person household. The program also places limits on participants’ assets. Single-person households can have up to $2,000 in resources, and two-person households can have up to $3,000. This resource limit excludes a primary residence and one car, though other assets, such as bank account balances and additional vehicles, are counted.

Residents of Washington State can apply for Apple Health online by visiting the Washington Connection website. To apply over the phone, call the Department of Social and Health Services at (877) 501-2233. In-person applications can be made at any Community Services Office.

Community First Choice Option

Seniors who need financial assistance for assisted living care may be eligible for the Community First Choice Option. This Medicaid waiver program may pay for the personal care services that seniors receive in assisted living facilities. These services can include assistance with bathing or medication management. The program may also pay for assistive technology that can help seniors in assisted living be more independent.

This program is an entitlement, so anyone who is eligible can receive services. Eligibility is determined based on Apple Health’s income and resource limits, which were detailed above, as well as care requirements. Participants in this program must need a nursing facility level of care but choose to live in assisted living facilities or other community settings. To apply for this waiver program, call DSHS at (877) 501-2233.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare program that may provide medical services to seniors in Issaquah. The program does not pay for room-and-board costs in assisted living facilities, though it may offer many valuable services to seniors who live in these settings. Such services include home care, personal care and transportation to medical appointments.

Issaquah residents who are 55 years of age or older may be eligible for PACE services if they require the level of care that would typically be provided in a nursing home, but are able to live in the community. They also must live in a ZIP code that is served by a PACE provider. Both of Issaquah’s ZIP codes, 98027 and 98029, are served by Providence PACE.

For more information about PACE or to apply for coverage call Providence PACE at (206) 320-5325.

Optional State Supplementation

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to eligible low-income seniors. Some states, including Washington, provide top-up payments to SSI recipients who live in assisted living facilities. This additional funding, called optional state supplementation (OSS), helps pay for room-and-board costs.

An individual living in an assisted living facility can receive a maximum of $46 per month from the OSS program. Senior couples can receive as much as $92 monthly. Seniors who are interested in this program can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in Issaquah

Issaquah Senior Center

The Issaquah Senior Center offers programs and events for local seniors. Group fitness classes, including tai chi, yoga and line dancing, give seniors an opportunity to stay active. The center’s wide variety of social events include coffee talks, book clubs and bingo games. Seniors can also take part in art classes, writing workshops and other educational opportunities.

Issaquah Senior Center 
75 NE Creek Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 392-2381

Resources for Veterans

Issaquah’s veterans can take advantage of the many Veterans Affairs resources located in nearby Seattle. The Regional Benefit Office helps seniors access the benefits, including pensions, earned through their military service. Eligible seniors can visit the city’s VA hospital or VA clinics for medical treatment.

Seattle Regional Benefit Office 
915 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98174
(800) 827-1000

VA Puget Sound Health Care System 
1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
(800) 329-8387 ext. 71234 

Seattle Vet Center 
4735 E Marginal Way S, Rm 1102, Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 658-4225 

North Seattle CBOC 
12360 Lake City Way NE, Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 384-4382

Area Agency on Aging

Aging and Disability Services, a part of the Seattle Human Services Department, acts as the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County. The agency connects seniors with community-based organizations that provide legal support, transportation, case management and other services.

Aging and Disability Services
700 5th Ave, 51st Fl, Seattle, WA 98124
(206) 684-0660