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Independent Living in Alaska
Known as the nation’s last frontier, Alaska beckons visitors with its unspoiled beauty. The state has four major urban areas that are home to a significant number of its 731,545 residents. Alaska’s population includes more than 65,000 veterans and 91,440 seniors aged 65 or older, and residents are served by 27 hospitals throughout the state. Although the climate is harsh, residents have access to many natural wonders, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay and the famed Inside Passage. Alaska also has a number of cultural attractions, such as the Museum of the North, which features more than 1 million artifacts.
Independent living facilities are ideal for seniors who are healthy, active and self-sufficient. Seniors who don’t need help with day-to-day activities can transition to these facilities to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. The median cost of independent living is $4,311 per month, which is $1,516 higher than the national average. However, rates include accommodations, meals, enriching activities and utilities.
This guide provides an overview of independent living, expected costs and payment options. Seniors will also find information about agencies that offer information, advice and supportive services.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Alaska
When trying to decide how to pay for independent 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.
Note: On average, seniors pay 30%-40% less for Independent Living than for Assisted Living. Because there are no nationwide data sources that outline Independent Living costs throughout the nation, we estimate fees by subtracting 35% from the Assisted Living rates in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors in Alaska pay $4,440 per month for Independent Living compared to the national rate of $2,925, making this one of the more expensive states in the nation for this type of care. In Washington, monthly fees are several hundred dollars lower at $3,900, and in Oregon, rates are more affordable but still over the national rate at $3,279. In Montana, rates average $2,893, and in Idaho, fees are competitive at $2,495.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Alaska
Inflation is driving up the cost of independent living in Alaska, as in many other states. From 2022-2024, the cost of independent senior living is projected to rise from $4,509 a month to $4,724, a 5% increase. This is lower than the 19% estimated national increase from $2,810 to $3,162 during the same period. Nevada and California anticipate hikes of 5% and 10% respectively. New Mexico's rates are projected to rise 61%, from $1,962 to $3,154. Interestingly, Wyoming's prices are expected to drop overall from $2,723 to 2024's estimated $2,200.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| Wyoming | $2,723 | $2,065 | $2,200 |
| California | $3,481 | $3,556 | $3,823 |
| New Mexico | $1,962 | $2,961 | $3,154 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is not the only option for seniors in Alaska. Depending on a senior's budget and care needs, other living arrangements might be more appropriate. Assisted living costs an average of $6,768 a month, which is $2,283 more than the cost of independent living. Memory care costs more, at $8,149.
Assisted Living
$6,768
Memory Care
$8,149
Independent Living
$4,485
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Alaska?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Alaska.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Alaska
Seniors typically pay for independent living out-of-pocket using retirement income, investments or proceeds from real estate sales. Reverse mortgages can generate a monthly cash flow if needed, or they can provide a lump-sum payment to help with move-in costs and buy-in fees. Medicare, Medicaid and the VA typically won’t pay for independent living, unless these services are medically necessary. Seniors must also require a nursing home level of care and meet certain financial requirements. While most programs won’t cover the cost of room and board, they may help with meal preparation, housekeeping and transportation for errands and medical appointments. Long-term care insurance may also offer some coverage for these items. For more information about what to expect, seniors can review our independent living guide.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Alaska
There are many resources in Alaska 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.
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska 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. |
| Alaska Senior Benefits Program | 800-478-7778 | The Senior Benefits Program offers qualified seniors monthly cash payments of $76 to $250 to assist with living costs such as utility bills and household expenses. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Adults with Physical & Developmental Disabilities Waiver (APDD) | 855-565-2017 | Alaska offers the APDD waiver to adults over the age of 21 who display a disability caused physical impairment and require a nursing home level of care. Eligible seniors can receive assistance with home modifications and several care services to remain at home or in assisted living. |
| Alaskans Living Independently Waiver (ALI) | 855-565-2017 | The ALI waiver is available to seniors over the age of 65 or those with disabilities requiring a nursing home level of care. The waiver covers care services to assist seniors with remaining in their homes or an assisted living facility, including home modifications, durable medical equipment and meal services. |
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 Alaska seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Meals on Wheels | Alaskans over the age of 60 may qualify for the Meals on Wheels program. Those eligible can receive weekly deliveries that often include a hot meal and the option of frozen meals to sustain them throughout the week. Each location sets its own delivery dates, the maximum number of meals allowed and the maximum delivery period. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Access Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Closet | 800-770-4488 | Access Alaska provides adaptive equipment and assistive technology to disabled Alaskan seniors through the organization's Durable Medical Equipment Loan Closet. The program covers all parts of the state, including those who live in rural areas. |
| Alaska Assistive Technology Acquisition Assistance Program | 800-723-2852 | The ATLA has several programs to provide free medical devices and technology to aging Alaskans. The ReUse Program cleans and refurbishes donated assistive technology devices. It then passes this equipment along to any Alaskans in need. The TechAbility Program offers lifetime equipment loans to disabled Alaskans who are Alaska Mental Health Trust beneficiaries. Seniors experiencing hearing and vision loss can take advantage of the Alaska Can Connect program that offers a variety of applications, software and hardware to assist with communication. |
| Alaska Center for Children and Adults (ACCA) | 907-456-4003 | The ACCA offers adaptive mobility equipment for free or at a reduced cost to seniors in need. It requires participants to put down a deposit based on the type of equipment borrowed. The program returns the deposit if the participant returns the equipment within three months. |
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 Alaska have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska AHFC Senior Access Program (SAP) | 907-330-8275 | Seniors eligible for the AHFC Alaska Senior Access Program can receive financial assistance for necessary home modifications to improve accessibility for those with disabilities or age-associated restrictions. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Mat-Su Senior Services | 907-745-5454 | Mat-Su is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services to help seniors to live independently in their own homes. To be eligible for the services, seniors need to be aged 60 or older and meet certain income requirements. Some of the services offered by volunteers include transport, adult day services, meals, chore assistance, respite services and family caregiver support. The majority of the services are offered for free but donations are always appreciated. The services that carry a fee are eligible for financial assistance if required. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska 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 Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Senior Tax Exemption | Qualifying seniors can reduce their property tax burdens by applying for the Senior Tax Exemption. If approved, the program designates up to $150,000 of their home's value as non-taxable. |
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. Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Heating Assistance Program (HAP) | 907-269-5777 | HAP offers Alaska residents a one-time annual payment to offset heating costs. The program pays the heating vendor directly and applies it to the applicant's account as a credit. Participants can also apply the subsidy toward any deposits needed to establish service in subsidized rentals that include heat in rental costs but do not include cooking gas or electric. |
Veteran's Services
Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska VA Benefits and Healthcare | Alaska's Veterans Services helps senior veterans access the essential benefits and support services designed to help them thrive in their elder years. Those who meet residency and service criteria can turn to the various vet centers and outpatient clinics or access the VA health care system to meet their medical needs. Veterans Services can also help vets gain access to their specialized disability benefits, navigate their pensions or locate customized housing options. |
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