Assisted Living in Michigan
According to the 2022 Senior Living Report, Michigan ranks 31st in the nation based on key indicators for the health of older adults in the categories of healthcare, housing, community involvement, transportation, quality of life and finances. In spite of the state’s low ranking, Michigan still offers low crime rates, excellent drinking water quality and low housing costs. Monthly assisted living costs are $4,250, which is also $250 lower than the national average.
Michigan also offers plenty of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, including walking trails, water access, and history museums for those looking for a place to retire. For accident and injury, Michigan Medicine Hospital was named number one in the state. It’s among the nation’s top hospitals for the treatment of cancer, heart problems, orthopedics, urology, rehabilitation and geriatrics. Other top medical centers for seniors in the state include Beaumont Hospital and Spectrum Health.
This guide explores the cost of living throughout the state and offers information on financial options for seniors who need help paying for residential care. It also covers several free and low-cost services that help seniors address their daily needs and an overview of what some of the assisted living regulations cover.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey suggests that seniors in Michigan pay an average of $4,250 for assisted living. This is $250 less than the national average. Those in Indiana pay slightly more at $4,283, while those in Illinois pay $238 more. Seniors in Wisconsin pay $4,600 per month, while those in Ohio have some of the highest rates of neighboring states at $4,635.
Assisted living costs in Michigan vary throughout the state depending on a range of factors, including the types of living facilities, the number of amenities and even the size of the community. The Jackson and Detroit communities offer some of the lowest costs at $4,000 and $4,215 per month respectively. Lansing and Kalamazoo costs are just slightly higher than the state average at $4,313 and $4,350 per month. Bay City communities cost around $4,423 per month, while Grand Rapids and Monroe have the highest fees in the state at $4,828 and $5,050 respectively.
The cost of long-term care depends on the type of care and how long it’s needed. Adult Day Health Care is the least expensive option at $1,733. This community-based program provides care in a supervised and secure facility for a portion of the day; typically, it’s up to 10 hours. Homemaker services and a home health aide help seniors live independently for as long as possible in their own homes. In Michigan, both services cost the same at $5,529.
Homemaker services provide help with the activities of daily living, including housekeeping, transportation, meals, grooming and bathing. A home health aide offers the same but also includes skilled nursing and medical care. An assisted living community costs less at $4,250, while a nursing home, which offers the most comprehensive level of care, costs around $9,095 per month for a semiprivate room.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Michigan?
Michigan’s Medicaid program pays for some long-term care services to qualified individuals. This may make it easier for low-income seniors to receive the quality of care they need. Several different Medicaid programs are available within the state, including traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP). Long-Term Care Medicaid is available for seniors in assisted living.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Michigan?
Michigan’s Medicaid program pays for some long-term care services for qualified individuals. This may make it easier for low-income seniors to receive the quality of care they need. Several different Medicaid programs are available within the state, including traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP). Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in an assisted living community, but it may cover some of the expenses like physical therapy and prescription drugs.
Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Michigan
Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS)
The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS) is also known as the MI Choice Waiver Program. It allows seniors to remain in their homes or community for as long as possible, thus delaying admittance into institutional care. Eligible seniors must be at least 60 years of age or older or 18 and older with a disability. Seniors may apply through a local Area Agency on Aging.
Services covered:
- Adult day health
- Community living supports
- Transportation
- Counseling
- Meals
- Nursing services
- Respite care
- Personal care
How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Michigan
The income limit for home-term care Medicaid is 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) which is approximately $30,276 per year or $2,523 per month per spouse. When only one spouse is applying, the non-applying spouse may be entitled to receive a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) from the applicant spouse under the spousal impoverishment rule. This rule ensures the non-applicant receives the income needed to survive on their own.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan
Annual Income Limits
Asset Limits
Single Applicant
$30,276
$2,000
Two-Person Household
(Only One Person Applying)
$30,276 per spouse
$2,000 for the applicant
$137,400 for nonapplicant
Two-Person Household
(Both People Applying)
$30,276 per spouse
$3,000
To be eligible for Medicaid in Michigan, an individual must be a U.S. resident or permanent alien and a resident of the state. You must also meet one of the following conditions:
- Be age 65 or older
- Be in end-stage renal disease
- Have Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Have been receiving Social Security disability payments for the last two years
How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
Individuals may apply for Medicaid online through the Michigan government website or may call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at (855) 789-5610. Seniors may also apply in person at their local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office or download the forms and mail them to Molina Healthcare of Michigan, 100 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 600 Attn: Enrollment, Troy, MI 48084-5209 or fax them to (248) 925-1768.
Information You Will Need:
- Current bank statements from the past 60 months
- Current income statements from the past 60 months
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of citizenship
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Pension statements
- Monthly Social Security benefit letter
- Other documents showing the value of assets
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Before or during the application process, it may be necessary to seek help in filling out an application or understanding the application process. Free and low-cost services are available to help customers check the status of their applications and get information on the other common insurance choices.
Resource
Contact
Description
(800) 975-7630
Michigan ENROLLS is operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. The service is available online or over the phone. Seniors may enroll in a plan, check the status of their application, order healthcare cards or apply for additional healthcare.
(888) 367-6557
MI Bridges is the central location for applying for state financial benefits. The site allows seniors to submit a single application to apply for Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, cash assistance and state emergency relief. The site is also available through a phone app that makes it possible to check the status, view benefit information and renewal plans.
(800) 803-7174
SHIP provides free insurance counseling and assistance for Medicaid to seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers. This program is available free of charge and can offer advice on the available healthcare plan options, including supplemental insurance and prescription coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Michigan?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Michigan. 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 Michigan.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Michigan
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.
How to Apply
How It Works
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 Michigan
Multiple resources in Michigan benefit seniors in residential long-term care. These resources offer a wide range of free and low-cost services to help seniors with health care, nutrition, fitness, financial assistance and aging in place.
Resource
Contact
Services
(517) 827-8040
The ombudsman is a program that works to improve the overall quality of care for seniors in assisted living, nursing homes and homes for the aged. The program works to pass new laws and regulations to improve long-term care and investigates facilities to ensure they maintain laws and regulations set by state and federal governments.
(517) 241-4100
The OSA oversees all Area Agencies on Aging throughout Michigan. These agencies provide services like food assistance, transportation, health screenings, legal assistance, senior center support and medication management. Other services include elder abuse prevention, home injury control and counseling.
(269) 382-0515
Milestone addresses a variety of senior needs, especially for those without family members or loved ones who live close. The organization pairs active seniors with volunteer opportunities in the community to help them feel engaged and useful. Support services include home care, home repair, home-delivered meals and managed care. The organization also accepts donations through fundraising and community outreach to further assist seniors in their communities.
(800) 996-6228
Available through the Department of the Attorney General, the Elder Abuse Hotline offers an easy and convenient way to report signs of elder abuse, whether it occurred in a private residence or a residential care facility. An enforcement officer or other employee of the office works to resolve the complaint and provides safe housing for the senior while the complaint is being investigated.
(734) 765-5312
Michigan Senior Resources is a free referral service that specializes in pairing seniors with residential homes that best suit their needs. An assessment is done to gather information on all unique needs, conditions and concerns, then a list of facilities are provided as the best matches.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Michigan
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including The Michigan Department of Health. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 3/10/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.
Visitation Policies
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Outings & Social Activities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
No
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs takes care of administering the laws and regulations that apply to assisted living communities in the state. These standards ensure seniors receive an optimal level of care and have all needs met.
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements
Before admission into an assisted living community, a physician will perform a health assessment to determine the proper level of care. Once complete, the community creates an admission contract that details the services to be provided, cost of care, refund policies, admission and discharge rules and the rights and responsibilities of all residents.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
Facility directors must determine whether a patient can receive appropriate care that addresses all needs. Patients who require specialized services may not be admitted unless the facility can prove it has the capacity to manage the senior's needs.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
Direct staff members in Michigan must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to complete reports, follow written and oral orders and be able to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of each resident. They must also be competent in first aid, CPR, personal care, safety and fire prevention and trained in the prevention and containment of communicable diseases. All staff members must complete at least 16 hours of training a year.
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
Medicaid may cover certain services in assisted living. The Medicaid CHOICE Waiver Program helps support seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Residents’ rooms may be single or multiple occupancies with no more than four beds to a room. Assisted living facilities built before 1969 may have more than four beds. A single toilet and a single sink are required for every eight patients and a bath or shower must be available for every 15 residents.
Medication Management Regulations
Medication management refers to any patient who requires reminders or those who need help taking their required dosage of medication each day. Staff members must be trained on the proper handling and administration of medications unless the residents can administer the correct dosages on their own.
Staffing Requirements
The facility must always have an adequate number of staff members on hand. In large group homes, there shouldn’t be less than one staff member per 15 residents during a night shift and during the day there should be more than 20. These staff members include an administrator who’s in charge, a resident care supervisor who ensures the residents are treated with dignity and respect and the direct care staff, which performs all the actions, including personal care.
Staff Training Requirements
After hiring, all staff members must be adequately trained before being allowed to see or take care of patients. Training topics include resident’s rights, health and safety, containment of infectious diseases and standard quality of care.
Background Checks for Assisted Living
Staff members must agree to a criminal background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Individuals who’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor within the past 15 years aren’t permitted to work in residential care facilities and all terms of parole or probation must have been met.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
Employees who work in residential care communities are considered mandated reporters and must report all signs of abuse, neglect, fraud and exploitation. At the first sign of abuse, staff must contact the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services at 1-800-288-5923.
Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan (189)
- Adrian, MI (8)
- Allegan, MI (2)
- Allendale, MI (2)
- Alma, MI (2)
- Alpena, MI (6)
- Ann Arbor, MI (8)
- Armada, MI (3)
- Armada, MI (3)
- Attica, MI (3)
- Auburn, MI (4)
- Auburn Hills, MI (3)
- Battle Creek, MI (11)
- Bay City, MI (12)
- Belleville, MI (5)
- Belmont, MI (2)
- Belmont, MI (2)
- Big Rapids, MI (3)
- Birmingham, MI (2)
- Bloomfield, MI (2)
- Bloomfield Hills, MI (8)
- Brighton, MI (5)
- Brownstown Township, MI (3)
- Burr Oak, MI (2)
- Burr Oak, MI (2)
- Burton, MI (4)
- Byron Center, MI (5)
- Cadillac, MI (4)
- Canton, MI (8)
- Caro, MI (5)
- Cass City, MI (2)
- Cedarville, MI (2)
- Charlotte, MI (3)
- Chelsea, MI (3)
- Chesaning, MI (2)
- Chesterfield, MI (5)
- Clare, MI (3)
- Clarkston, MI (8)
- Clinton Township, MI (15)
- Clio, MI (9)
- Coldwater, MI (2)
- Commerce, MI (2)
- Commerce Township, MI (3)
- Coopersville, MI (2)
- Davison, MI (2)
- Dearborn, MI (2)
- Dearborn Heights, MI (3)
- Detroit, MI (16)
- Dewitt, MI (4)
- Dowagiac, MI (4)
- Durand, MI (2)
- East Lansing, MI (5)
- East Tawas, MI (3)
- Eaton Rapids, MI (3)
- Escanaba, MI (2)
- Farmington, MI (3)
- Farmington Hills, MI (13)
- Fennville, MI (1)
- Fenton, MI (5)
- Flat Rock, MI (2)
- Flint, MI (15)
- Flushing, MI (5)
- Fort Gratiot, MI (2)
- Frankenmuth, MI (2)
- Frankfort, MI (2)
- Freeland, MI (3)
- Fremont, MI (2)
- Garden City, MI (2)
- Gaylord, MI (4)
- Gladstone, MI (5)
- Gladwin, MI (2)
- Grand Blanc, MI (5)
- Grand Haven, MI (4)
- Grand Ledge, MI (3)
- Grand Rapids, MI (33)
- Grandville, MI (4)
- Greenville, MI (5)
- Grosse Ile, MI (2)
- Harbor Springs, MI (2)
- Haslett, MI (5)
- Hastings, MI (2)
- Hemlock, MI (2)
- Highland, MI (2)
- Hillsdale, MI (4)
- Holland, MI (7)
- Holly, MI (3)
- Holt, MI (4)
- Howell, MI (6)
- Hudsonville, MI (1)
- Imlay City, MI (2)
- Inkster, MI (5)
- Jackson, MI (17)
- Jenison, MI (2)
- Kalamazoo, MI (14)
- Keego Harbor, MI (1)
- Kentwood, MI (2)
- Lake City, MI (2)
- Lake Orion, MI (3)
- Lambertville, MI (2)
- Lansing, MI (14)
- Lapeer, MI (7)
- Leonard, MI (2)
- Lexington, MI (3)
- Livonia, MI (13)
- Lowell, MI (4)
- Ludington, MI (2)
- Ludington, MI (2)
- Macomb, MI (6)
- Macomb, MI (6)
- Manistique, MI (2)
- Marquette, MI (2)
- Marshall, MI (5)
- Mason, MI (2)
- Mayville, MI (2)
- Memphis, MI (2)
- Memphis, MI (2)
- Metamora, MI (2)
- Midland, MI (11)
- Milford, MI (2)
- Monroe, MI (3)
- Montrose, MI (3)
- Mount Pleasant, MI (6)
- Munising, MI (2)
- Muskegon, MI (8)
- New Boston, MI (2)
- New Haven, MI (2)
- Newberry, MI (2)
- Newberry, MI (2)
- Niles, MI (2)
- Northville, MI (9)
- Novi, MI (6)
- Okemos, MI (4)
- Ortonville, MI (4)
- Otsego, MI (2)
- Otsego, MI (2)
- Owosso, MI (5)
- Oxford, MI (3)
- Petoskey, MI (2)
- Pigeon, MI (2)
- Plainwell, MI (3)
- Plymouth, MI (6)
- Port Huron, MI (4)
- Portage, MI (6)
- Portland, MI (3)
- Redford, MI (5)
- Richmond, MI (5)
- Riverview, MI (4)
- Rochester, MI (4)
- Rochester Hills, MI (10)
- Rockford, MI (4)
- Romeo, MI (2)
- Romulus, MI (2)
- Roseville, MI (3)
- Royal Oak, MI (5)
- Saginaw, MI (12)
- Saint Clair Shores, MI (2)
- Saint Joseph, MI (4)
- Saint Louis, MI (2)
- Saline, MI (4)
- Sandusky, MI (2)
- Shelby, MI (3)
- Shelby Township, MI (3)
- Smiths Creek, MI (4)
- South Lyon, MI (3)
- Southfield, MI (14)
- Southgate, MI (3)
- Spring Arbor, MI (3)
- Sterling Heights, MI (20)
- Stockbridge, MI (3)
- Sturgis, MI (3)
- Swartz Creek, MI (3)
- Taylor, MI (7)
- Tecumseh, MI (2)
- Temperance, MI (3)
- Three Rivers, MI (5)
- Traverse City, MI (18)
- Troy, MI (14)
- Utica, MI (6)
- Walled Lake, MI (3)
- Warren, MI (12)
- Waterford, MI (4)
- West Bloomfield, MI (14)
- West Branch, MI (2)
- Westland, MI (9)
- White Lake, MI (3)
- Whitehall, MI (3)
- Whitehall, MI (3)
- Wyoming, MI (7)
- Ypsilanti, MI (6)
- Zeeland, MI (3)