What State Has The Cheapest Assisted Living?

Assisted living costs have risen sharply, driven largely by a shortage of experienced caregivers. Genworth, which tracks care costs, identifies caregiver retention as one of the biggest challenges facing assisted living facilities.

Facilities respond by raising salaries and paying overtime premiums to fill shifts and keep operations running with fewer staff.

The national average for assisted living was about $4,000 per month in 2018 and had reached $4,500 by 2022, according to Genworth and Seniorlist.Gov.

Cost is usually the first thing families consider when choosing a facility. Most places quote high initial prices, which pushes families to budget for ongoing expenses they may not have anticipated.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population over 65 will reach 94.7 million by 2060. More seniors means higher demand for assisted living, which pushes prices up.

Oklahoma offers the most affordable assisted living in the country. Here's what you should know about costs there and the programs available to help pay for care.

• Oklahoma has the cheapest assisted living
  • Sooner Care Assisted Living Program
  • Advantage Waiver Financial Program
  • Medically Fragile Waiver Program
  • Oklahoma State Council on Aging
• Final words
• Sources:

Oklahoma has the cheapest assisted living

Assisted living in Oklahoma costs an average of $32,210 per year, making it the most affordable state in the nation. The low cost, combined with good healthcare access and a growing senior population, makes it an attractive option for older adults.

State

Assisted living cost per year

Oklahoma

$32,210 (lowest)

New York

$47,856 (median)

New Hampshire

$84,255 (highest)

About 15.7% of Oklahoma's population is 65 or older. The state has 295 assisted living facilities and hundreds of private care providers, giving seniors plenty of options.

Seniors can choose from home care, residential communities, and assisted living facilities at lower costs than most states. While Oklahoma's cost of living is higher for younger adults, it's notably cheaper for retirees.

The state has a solid network of hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, and assisted living facilities. Medicare-registered providers are readily available throughout Oklahoma.

Older adults in Oklahoma also benefit from parks, golf courses, churches, and recreational facilities. The climate is mild year-round, which appeals to many retirees. Several state programs help with the cost of care.

Sooner Care Assisted Living Program

Sooner Care is Oklahoma's Medicaid program for low-income seniors. You qualify if you earn less than $1,063 per month. Married couples need a combined income under $1,437. You must be at least 65 years old and either need personal care services or have a disability.

The program covers both assistance with daily living and medical care.

Advantage Waiver Financial Program

The Advantage Waiver helps seniors avoid nursing home placement by covering the cost of assisted living and medical services at home and in the community.

Medically Fragile Waiver Program

This program supports seniors with serious chronic illnesses who need assisted living. It provides Medicaid funding and uses established networks throughout the state to help coordinate care.

Oklahoma State Council on Aging

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services runs the Council on Aging, which helps older adults navigate their medical and financial options. The staff includes experienced professionals who work to understand and address seniors' concerns.

The council works with state agencies, private organizations, and lawmakers to build a support network for seniors seeking financial assistance.

Final words

Oklahoma is the cheapest state for assisted living. The combination of low costs, supportive government programs, good healthcare access, and a robust network of facilities makes it a practical choice for seniors and their families.

Sources:

• https://www.theseniorlist.com/assisted-living/costs/
• https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
• https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Aging%20and%20Disability%20in%20America/2020ProfileOlderAmericans.Final_.pdf
• https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/assisted-living-costs-by-state