The Best Assisted Living Communities in Baltimore County, MD

• The overall cost of living in Baltimore County exceeds the U.S. average by about 5%, with residents paying more for groceries, utilities, transportation and miscellaneous expenses than a typical U.S. community. However, the county’s living costs trend nearly 7% below Maryland’s average, promoting affordable assisted living.
• Seniors in Baltimore County don’t pay state income taxes on their Social Security benefits, and they qualify for exemptions on pension payments and withdrawals from retirement savings accounts. This helps many effectively budget assisted living expenses.
• Baltimore County is a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network. It implements an action plan for seniors, providing access to health services, accessible housing and paratransit services.
• The American Lung Association reports high ozone pollution in Baltimore County, giving it an F with 13 high ozone days annually. However, particle pollution levels are lower, earning the county a B for short-term levels and a passing annual score. Assisted living residents sensitive to pollution often have access to a variety of indoor activities and amenities.
• Baltimore County ranks above the national average for health factors and outcomes, indicating effective medical support for assisted living residents. For example, about 55% of Medicare beneficiaries in the county receive annual flu vaccines, versus 46% nationwide, helping control the spread of seasonal illnesses.

Assisted living residents in Baltimore County have several avenues to pay for care expenses, including state and federal health insurance programs, veterans’ benefits and their income and assets.

• Medicaid: Maryland’s Medicaid program provides direct coverage for assisted living expenses, including personal care, meal preparation and basic housekeeping services, through the Community Personal Assistance Program. Additionally, it houses the Community Supports Medicaid Waiver, which has less restrictive financial requirements but provides comparable coverage.
• Medicare: Medicare pays for skilled nursing services and durable medical equipment in assisted living. However, this program doesn’t pay for standard assisted living services, meals or housing.
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans can pay for personal care, meals and transportation services through two VA programs: Aid and Attendance and Geriatrics and Extended Care. According to our proprietary Caring.com database, over 60 assisted living communities in Baltimore County accept veterans’ benefits.
• Private Payments: Assisted living facilities accept private payments on all types of assisted living expenses, including room and board, meals, personal care and recreational activities. These payments come from sources such as Social Security income, long-term care insurance and proceeds from renting out or selling a home.