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Assisted Living Kansas
Known as one of America’s agricultural hubs, Kansas ranks 16th overall on our 2024 Senior Living Report based on factors, such as living costs, access to health care services and senior housing options. Kansas received low marks in the Quality of Life category, but the state ranked 8th in the nation for senior-friendly transportation services and 10th overall for affordability. The median assisted living rate in the state is $4,580 per month, which is only $80 higher than the nationwide median of $4,500.
In Kansas, seniors can enjoy plenty of sunny days and an abundance of wide-open spaces. The state has a population density of 35.6, which is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 93.3. Kansas is home to just under 3 million residents, and 16.3%, or about 475,400, are seniors aged 65 and older.
This guide covers assisted living costs in Kansas and neighboring states, as well as the cost of other long-term care services. It also includes an overview of funding options for covering care costs, a summary of state regulations for assisted living facilities in Kansas and links to free programs for older adults who need help accessing long-term care.
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Kansas
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in Kansas and its 19 cities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Kansas's Top Cities
The cost of assisted living in Kansas’ top cities varies greatly, emphasizing the need for seniors to do proper research before deciding where to settle. While assisted living in Wichita is the most expensive at $5,427 per month, Kansas City is more affordable, costing a monthly average of $4,543. Costs in Olathe fall between these two at $4,714, and Overland Park is cheapest at $4,333 monthly.
Kansas
$4,834
Wichita
$5,427
Olathe
$4,714
Overland Park
$4,333
Kansas City
$4,543
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Kansas
The cost of assisted living in Kansas continues to rise due to the impact of inflation. From 2022 to 2023 the average cost went from $4,066 to $4,834 — an increase of 18.9%. At the same time, the U.S. average only increased by 9.6%.
But inflation doesn't impact all states in the same way. In neighboring Oklahoma, costs went up by 19.4%, yet it’s still more affordable than Kansas for assisted living. Colorado saw an increase of 5.4%, while in Nebraska costs rose by 12.6%. The biggest surprise is Missouri, where the average cost decreased by 6% in 2023.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $4,066 | $4,834 | $5,149 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Colorado | $4,392 | $4,630 | $5,063 |
| Nebraska | $4,480 | $5,043 | $5,304 |
| Missouri | $4,488 | $4,217 | $4,318 |
| Oklahoma | $3,173 | $3,789 | $4,035 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
The cost of senior living in Kansas depends on the type of care. Independent living is the most affordable option at $2,586 per month, but the amount isn’t necessarily all-inclusive, and living expenses should be factored in before deciding about affordability. Memory care provides the most hands-on care, making it the most expensive option at around $5,587. Assisted living provides care as needed, therefore it's more affordable than memory care at $4,834.
Assisted Living
$4,834
Memory Care
$5,587
Independent Living
$2,586
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Kansas?
In Kansas, Medicaid is known as KanCare. KanCare services are delivered through three contracted managed care organizations, or MCOs: Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. KanCare covers some assisted living services through the Frail Elderly (FE) waiver program, which is available through all KanCare plans.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Kansas?
While KanCare doesn’t pay for the room and board portion of assisted living costs, Kansas’ Medicaid program does cover some services delivered within an assisted living facility through the Frail Elderly waiver program. These services vary based on the needs of each beneficiary as determined through an assessment conducted through the MCO.
Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Kansas
The Frail Elderly (FE) Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) waiver is a KanCare program that’s designed to delay or prevent institutionalization of at-risk seniors aged 65 and older. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Service (KDADS) manages the FE waiver, and benefits include:
- Adult day care
- Assistive technologies, such as communication devices and visual aids
- Help with activities of daily living
- Medication reminders
- Evaluation by a licensed nurse
- Limited diagnostic, prophylactic and restorative dental services, including the purchase and repair of dentures
- Wearable medical alert devices
- Ongoing intermittent skilled nursing care
- Enhanced care services, including transportation to and from medical appointments
To qualify for services through the FE Waiver program, seniors must be aged 65 or older, be financially eligible for KanCare and meet the functional requirements for nursing home placement as outlined by Medicaid.
To enroll in the FE Waiver program, seniors must:
- Request and pass the free functional assessment administered through the nearest Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- Complete the HCBS waiver financial eligibility approval process through KanCare Clearinghouse
- Once approved, new KanCare enrollees need to select an MCO within 90 days of enrollment
How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Kansas
Medicaid’s income limits are adjusted on an annual basis.In 2023, single applicants have no income limit, though all income in excess of $62 per month must go toward the cost of care. Singles also have a $2,000 asset limit. Couples have the same income rules as singles, but married couples where both are applying can have $3,000 in assets. If only one spouse applies, the other has a much higher asset limit of $148,620. This was put in place as a financial protection for the noninstitutionalized spouse.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | No Income Limit | $3,000 |
* Income in excess of $2,742/mo. must go toward care costs. There are exceptions for private health insurance and potentially a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
In addition to meeting Medicaid’s income and asset limits, seniors must:
- Be at least 65 years old, or
- Be blind or have a qualifying disability, and
- Be a permanent resident of the state of Kansas, and
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident or legal alien
How To Apply for Medicaid in Kansas
Kansas residents can apply for Medicaid online through the KanCare Consumer Self-Service Portal. Seniors can also call (800) 792-4884 to request a paper application that can either be returned by mail or fax, and PDF application forms are available to download on the KanCare website.
Information You Will Need
When applying for KanCare (Medicaid), individuals must be prepared to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of income from all sources, including employment, investments, VA benefits, SSI and Social Security
- Proof of any current health insurance coverage
- Copies of any trusts or annuities held by the applicant
- A letter from the applicants’ life insurance company verifying the policy number, face and cash value of the policy and any liens against the policy
- The most recent statement from all bank accounts, CDs, stocks and bonds held by the applicant or that the applicant co-owns
- Copies of any prepaid burial plans or funeral service
- Proof of age
- Proof of citizenship and permanent residency in Kansas
- Verification of the applicants’ Social Security number
How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Kansas seniors who need help applying for health insurance, navigating their long-term care options or dealing with problems related to their care can get help through one of the following programs and services.
| Program | Contact | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Legal Services | (800) 723-6953 (KLS Statewide Intake) (888) 353-5337 (Elder Law Hotline) | Kansas Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit legal services organization that serves low and moderate-income clients. Seniors aged 60 and older who need assistance with civil (non-criminal) legal issues, such as access to KanCare/Medicaid, can call the Elder Law Hotline to speak with an intake specialist. Staff at KLS can also help seniors learn about elder law issues, such as estate planning and guardianship. |
| KanCare Ombudsman Office | 1-855-643-8180 | Staff at the KanCare Ombudsman Office help KanCare members and applicants resolve outstanding issues related to KanCare coverage, services and enrollment. |
| Managed Care Grievance Process | 1-855-221-5656 (Aetna) 1-877-644-4623 (Sunflower) 1-877-542-9238 (United) | KanCare members who are dissatisfied with the services they receive through one of the three KanCare managed care organizations can file a managed care grievance. Common grievances include issues with quality of care or services, failure to deliver services in a way that respects the member's rights and an MCO failing to cover charges, which should be covered under KanCare. Grievances must be submitted via phone or mail to the respective MCO. |
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Kansas?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Kansas. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Kansas.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas
The Frail Elderly (FE) waiver is the Kansas Home and Community Based Services program available through Medicaid. The intent for the waiver is to delay nursing home placement for those who need a higher level of care but wish to remain living independently or in an assisted living community. Although this waiver does not pay for room and board, it does cover care services recommended by the assisted living facility's plan of care.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Enrolled in Medicaid
- At least 65 years old
- Demonstrate the need for a nursing facility level of care. This care level requires seniors to need help with at least 2 activities of daily living (personal hygiene, dressing, eating, etc.) and 3 instrumental activities of daily living (housework, shopping, transportation, etc.)
To learn more about eligibility requirements, seniors can contact or visit one of their local Aging and Disability Resource Center or call 1-855-200-2372 if they want more information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember that not all subsidy programs are accepted at every assisted living community. Before choosing a community or a program to apply for, check to make sure the two are compatible.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Kansas
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.
| Name | HowToApply | HowItWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Kansas
There are many resources in Kansas that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities | 785-267-1336 | The Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities is a statewide network of 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers. These federally mandated centers are designed to ensure seniors aged 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, have access to information on state and federal benefits that can be used toward assisted living costs. Staff at each regional center can also help seniors locate local community-based services, such as home meal delivery programs, accessible transportation services and case management. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Kansas provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Kansas seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program | 888-369-4777 | Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program is a state-sponsored initiative that aims to supply low-income seniors with the means of accessing a healthy, balanced diet. Eligible seniors and their household members must demonstrate financial duress in the form of a household bank balance not exceeding $3,500 ($2,250 for singles). Applications are submitted online, and successful recipients receive a benefits card that can be used at local grocery stores to purchase produce and nonperishable food items. |
| Kansas Food Bank | 316-265-3663 | Kansas Food Bank oversees food pantries in all Kansas counties to support food-insecure seniors. Each food pantry sets eligibility guidelines based on age and income level. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which operates in 28 counties, offers balance diet boxes containing well-balanced, nutritional food items for seniors. Additionally, seniors in 26 counties can apply for the Bob Box, named after Senator Bob Dole, through the Kansas Food Bank. These boxes provide seniors with food staples that help them prepare meals. |
| Kansas Meals on Wheels | Kansas Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals for seniors throughout the state. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and be homebound, isolated or unable to receive a meal in a group setting. Homebound seniors' meals are free, but a donation is requested If the senior can afford one. Delivered meals are $4 for non-homebound seniors. Volunteers drop off hot, nutritious meals daily. Additionally, Kansas seniors can visit a local dining center for a meal. | |
| Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 888-369-4777 | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
| Meneilly Center | 913-671-2315 | Staffed by over 150 volunteers, the Kansas Village Church Food Pantry provides free food, clothing, personal care items and cleaning products for seniors and others in need. There's no residency requirement for assistance, although program participants must make an appointment in advance. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Kansas collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program | 620-421-8367 | The Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program provides high-quality and gently used durable medical equipment to seniors who have medical and financial needs. Inventory list typically features items such as manual and electric wheelchairs, patient lifts, hospital beds, shower chairs, specialty commodes, walkers and more. |
| Medical Equipment Recycling Network | 316-942-6300 | The Medical Equipment Recycling Network provides durable medical equipment to seniors. Program staff then inspects the equipment, ensures it is clean and in top working order, and makes it available to qualifying individuals. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Kansas seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas FamilyWize | 785-827-1312 | United Way Salina works with FamilyWize to provide drug discount cards that offer low-income individuals discounts of up to 75% on their medications. These cards are available to anyone who is on a low income and needs assistance covering the costs of prescription medications. Seniors can use the card to receive discounts on the price of FDA-approved medications that aren't covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other plans. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Kansas have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides up to $10,000 in grants or $40,000 in low-interest home repair loans to low-income seniors in rural parts of Kansas. This money can be used to perform home repairs that eliminate health and safety hazards. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Kansas seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Senior Citizen Law Project | 888-353-5337 | Available to all older residents of Kansas, the Senior Citizen Law Project provides free legal advice on a range of pertinent issues. Areas of law include elder neglect and abuse, public benefits and health insurance, medical rights, long-term care and consumer affairs. The organization also assists seniors with life and estate planning matters, such as wills. Seniors aged 60 and older can contact a legal advisor via the statewide Elder Law Hotline. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Kansas bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Health Care Association (KHCA) | 785-267-6003 | Kansas Health Care Association operates the Kansas Center for Assisted Living. Over 260 nonprofit and for-profit assisted living communities are represented by this organization. KHCA deals with many aspects of long-term senior care, including licensure and advocating for better health care. This association sits on SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka and can be reached by phone to inquire about services at (785) 267-6003 or email at khca@khca.org. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Kansas help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Kansas resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors Program | 785-368-8222 | The Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors program provides a property tax refund of 75 percent of the total taxes paid or to be paid during a given year, effectively shrinking the property tax liability of qualifying seniors to one-fourth of their home's actual tax assessment. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Kansas retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-432-0043 | The Low Income Energy Assistance Program assists low-income Kansans, including seniors, who are facing difficulty paying their energy bills. The program also offers emergency assistance to homeowners who are facing impending electricity shutoff. |
Veteran's Services
Kansas retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas VA Benefits and Health Care | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Kansas
In Kansas, assisted living communities, also known as adult care homes, boarding care homes and home plus, must comply with government regulations designed to protect the health, safety and rights of residents. Assisted living facilities in Kansas are licensed and inspected by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | Each new resident must be provided with a written service agreement outlining the services they'll receive and who provide them. This service plan must be developed between the resident, their physician, and any parties involved in the delivery of services outlined in the plan. This plan must be reviewed at least once a year. If third party services are needed, the assisted living community is responsible for offering a list of possible providers during agreement creation. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | Assisted living facilities cannot house individuals who have behavioral issues that require the use of physical restraints or who pose a physical danger to others. Also prohibited are individuals who need ongoing 24/7 skilled nursing care, residents who cannot safely exit the facility with limited assistance in the event of an emergency and anyone who needs hands-on assistance from two or more caregivers to perform activities of daily living. |
| Assisted Living Scope of Care | Kansas assisted living facilities must maintain a standard of general care which includes room and board, health care services delivered or deemed appropriate by a licensed nurse, dental and medical support, planned activities, social transportation and other health and safety services. |
| Assisted Living Medicaid Policy | KanCare covers the cost of some assisted living services through the Frail Elderly Medicaid waiver program. |
| Assisted Living Facility Requirements | Assisted living facilities first licensed after January 1, 1995, must offer apartments equipped with accessible private bathrooms, a living area, a kitchenette, stove, and storage. Units must also have a door that locks and a window that opens. Residents have a say on the meals they are served and and when they receive them. Assisted living communities with 11 or more residents must schedule onsite supervision with a licensed dietitian. |
| Medication Management Regulations | Residents may self-administer prescription and over-the-counter medications following an assessment performed by a licensed nurse. Facility staff who are licensed medical professionals may administer and manage medications, although medication aides are prohibited from administering subcutaneous or intravenous medications. All medications administered to residents must be reviewed every 75 days by a licensed pharmacist. |
| Staffing Requirements | Every assisted living facility must have an administrator, and that administrator must be licensed if the facility has 62 or more residents. A registered nurse must also be employed or retained by the facility to supervise LPNs and medication aides. There are no minimum staffing ratios, although the administrator must ensure that enough staff are available to safely fulfill each residents' care plan. Staff on site must remain awake and alert. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Non-licensed administrators must complete at least 50 hours of approved training every 2 years. Administrators must also ensure that all facility staff complete orientation and ongoing in-service training related to residents' rights, fire prevention, infection control and abuse prevention. Operators are exempt from continuing education requirements. |
| Background Checks for Assisted Living | All employees and contractors working in Kansas assisted living facilities must successfully pass a criminal background check. Anyone who has been convicted of an offense that could jeopardize the safety of vulnerable individuals, such as theft, battery, sexual battery or mistreatment of a dependent adult, is excluded from employment in a licensed facility. |
| Requirements for Reporting Abuse | Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable adult is being neglected, abused or exploited is required to report their concerns to the Kansas Protection Report Center. If the victim is in immediate danger, individuals must contact their local law enforcement agency. |
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