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Assisted Living in Michigan
According to the 2024 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.
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan
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 Michigan and its 91 cities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan's Top Cities
Assisted living in most of Michigan's bigger cities is priced significantly higher than the statewide average. Seniors receiving care in the state capital pay around $4,839 per month, and the cost of care in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor is virtually identical to that of Lansing. In contrast, the average monthly rate for assisted living in Detroit is just slightly above the norm, at $4,177.
Michigan
$4,111
Detroit
$4,177
Grand Rapids
$4,696
Lansing
$4,839
Ann Arbor
$4,707
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan
The cost of assisted living continues to rise throughout much of the country. Michigan in particular experienced a 12% increase in assisted living costs from 2022 to 2023, with an additional 11.3% rise predicted for 2024. The U.S. average for assisted living had a smaller yet still significant 9.6% jump, and currently sits at $4,478 per month.
Wisconsin saw costs rise by 16.9% — the largest increase among neighboring states — while Ohio's average for assisted living climbed by 9%. Indiana's cost remained virtually unchanged, and the monthly rate dropped by 4.4% in Illinois.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $3,668 | $4,111 | $4,577 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Ohio | $4,110 | $4,478 | $5,268 |
| Indiana | $4,360 | $4,357 | $4,699 |
| Illinois | $4,959 | $4,742 | $5,313 |
| Wisconsin | $4,269 | $4,992 | $5,606 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Assisted living in Michigan costs $4,111 per month, placing it roughly midway between memory care, at $5,452, and independent living with its monthly average of $2,515 per month. These widely varying costs are due to residents requiring significantly more help from staff as they progress through the types of care, and the need for specially trained and/or certified personnel.
Assisted Living
$4,111
Memory Care
$5,452
Independent Living
$2,515
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 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
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.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan ENROLLS | (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. |
| MI Bridges | (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. |
| Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) | (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.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan
Medicaid is a joint program between the state and federal governments that helps low-income residents cover some or all of the costs associated with care. Primarily intended as a supplement for medical insurance, the program offers low- and no-cost assistance with costs related to medication, transportation, in-home care and personal care services while residing in a licensed home for the aged.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Permanent residents of the state of Michigan
- Between 18 and 64 years old
- Not pregnant at the time of application
- Not currently enrolled in other Medicaid programs
- Not eligible for Medicare
To learn more about eligibility requirements, call 1-855-789-5610, or in person at a local Department of Human Services office.
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.
| Name | 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
There are many resources in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Area Agencies on Aging | In Michigan, Area Agencies on Aging offers services to seniors that help them maintain a high quality of life. Seniors can get connected to local services, including nutritional programs, transportation services, support groups and health and wellness activities. The Agency advocates for older adults through committees and councils that fight for legislation protecting seniors from elder abuse and fraud. Seniors and caregivers can also learn more about health and wellness through classes and events run by AAAs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan 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. |
| Michigan State Emergency Relief Program | 517-241-3740 | The State Emergency Relief Program may provide emergency assistance for low-income households who experience sudden and unexpected temporary hardship. Help may be through direct service provision or financial aid to assist with a variety of emergency needs, such as heating or utility bills and vital home maintenance. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Michigan seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Health Link Program | 517-241-3740 | The Michigan Health Link Program is a managed care program for qualifying seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Services may be provided at home or in an assisted living facility and may include medical care, help with daily activities, accessibility adaptations, medical equipment and supplies, meal delivery, adult day care and transportation. |
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 Michigan seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Meals on Wheels | Michigan Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program that's part of a 5,000+ member nationwide network. Eligibility is open to seniors ages 60 and over, with meals served locally in a congregate setting or delivered daily to the resident's home if they're immobile. Those who get their meals delivered also receive friendly visits with safety checks to monitor their risk for falls, emergencies or other accidents. Meals are served on a sliding-fee scale based on income. | |
| Michigan Senior Project FRESH | Michigan's Senior Project FRESH is a food-assistance program that strives to help eligible Michigan residents age 60 and older eat healthier. This income-based program offers free nutrition education for recipients, along with coupons that seniors can exchange for program-specific fresh, healthy foods at local roadside stands and farmers' markets. Senior Project FRESH runs from May 1 through October 31 each year, with coupon-distribution sites located in each of the state's counties. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan RX Card | The Michigan RX Card is the state's prescription assistance program. Available to all residents and free to obtain, the card entitles holders to significant discounts on prescription medications at participating pharmacies. |
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 Michigan have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program may provide grants to low-income seniors to remove health and safety risks from the home. The maximum grant is $10,000, and seniors must live in an area covered by the program. | |
| Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program | The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income homeowners and renters save money on utility bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Free services are provided by Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations and may include home insulation and ventilation. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Elder Law of Michigan | 866-400-9164 | Elder Law of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides seniors with legal help. Its services include pension counseling, benefits counseling, financial legal advice and help in elder abuse cases. |
| Michigan Elder Abuse Hotline | 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. |
| Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid | Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid supports senior state residents with free law advice. Areas covered include probate law, guardianships, public benefits — such as Medicaid and Social Security, consumer scams and financial elder abuse. The organization has 12 locations in the Southeast Michigan area, all of which are open for walk-in service Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seniors can also call MLLA's legal helpline between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on most weekdays. | |
| Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-485-9393 | The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and welfare of seniors living in licensed nursing homes and other senior living communities. Funded by the federal and state governments, the program provides ombudsman services to seniors, including concerns with care, residents' rights and quality of life. Services are free, and ombudsmen act on cases with confidentiality. The program also supports the passage of laws beneficial to the state's long-term care residents. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Michigan help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association — Greater Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | In addition to the 24-hour helpline, the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has a wide range of services and programs for seniors and their caregivers, including social engagement programs and professional training curriculums. Care counselors can create a person-centered long-term care plan for individuals with memory loss and other cognitive issues. Support groups are available via Zoom for seniors with early-stage or young-onset symptoms along with support groups for Spanish speakers. |
| Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association works with seniors who are living with dementia, helping them access local resources and services that can provide them with memory support and cognitive therapy. Additionally, this organization offers caregiver training and support groups for both seniors and caregivers. |
| Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center | 734-936-8803 | Part of a University of Michigan initiative, the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center conducts memory research and education, as well as wellness and clinical care. Support groups for those experiencing mild cognitive impairment are provided, as are ongoing research studies that include memory training studies, medication trials, lifestyle intervention studies and more. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Michigan resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver Program | Michigan's MI Choice Waiver Program allows qualifying seniors to receive care at home or in an assisted living community rather than a nursing home. The program aims to delay or prevent admission into an institutional care setting. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan 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 Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Summer Tax Deferment | 248-524-3333 | Michigan's Summer Tax Deferment allows seniors to push back the due date of summer taxes to February 14, providing additional time to streamline their budgets. Seniors are eligible for the deferment if they're aged 62 or older and their household income doesn't exceed $40,000 a year. To qualify, seniors must complete an application and submit their previous year's Homestead Property Tax Credit Form to the City Treasurer's Office by September 15. |
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. Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Energy Assistance Program and Home Heating Credit | The program's purpose is to provide assistance to low-income households in Michigan who may be struggling to cover the costs of their energy supply, such as electricity, gas and other fuels. In addition to developing an affordable payment plan to prevent energy suppliers from cutting off access to their services, the program also educates applicants about managing their energy sources more efficiently and cost-effectively. Home Heating Credit is a program aimed at helping low-income families pay some of their winter heating bills. Those who want to apply must do so before September 30. |
Veteran's Services
Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care | Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care services are specially designed to help senior veterans in the state access the services for which they are eligible. The department has offices throughout the state, including VA Medical Centers in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw, as well as a regional benefits office in Detroit. The office offers regular events to inform and celebrate veterans. Additional benefits include life insurance, home loans, and compensation for in-home health and wellness services. |
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.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | Before admission into an assisted living community, a physician performs a health assessment determining the proper level of care. Once complete, the community creates an admission contract detailing the services to be provided, cost of care, refund policies, admission and discharge rules and the rights and responsibilities of all residents. Every adult foster care facility in Michigan must have annual reviews of each resident's individual treatment plan. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | The general rule for admission to a Michigan assisted living facility is that the resident's physical and mental state must allow them to get some benefit from living in a community, without being overly disruptive or lacking certain necessary care requirements. Facility directors must determine whether a patient can receive appropriate care. Patients who need 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 MI CHOICE Waiver Program helps support seniors who prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Not all ALFs accept the waiver, however, so it's important to ask during the initial investigation phase. |
| 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. There must also be non-slip surfaces, central air, and safe corridors. |
| 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 | 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, a resident care supervisor, and the direct-care staff. Each facility must employ an administrator to manage the day-to-day operation of the home. In addition, each shift must have a designated resident care supervisor who is in charge of overseeing seniors' rights and safety. |
| 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 fires and 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 Disability Rights Michigan at 1-800-288-5923. Families, caregivers and other loved ones may also report suspected abuse by calling Michigan's Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 866-485-9393. |
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