Memory Care in Oregon

The scenic state of Oregon is home to over 4.3 million people and a large senior community that makes up more than 18% of its population. Oregon’s generally pleasant climate and high access to affordable health care appeal to retirees, resulting in a senior community that’s growing at a fast rate. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in nine people aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s, a disease that’s currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the state. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase by over 20%.  

To combat this trend, Oregon offers numerous programs and outstanding medical facilities, including Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland and St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. It also has numerous memory care facilities that provide specialized care. 

Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This introductory guide for memory care in Oregon outlines how much seniors pay for residential dementia services and some options for paying for care. It also highlights free resources for seniors and families and answers commonly asked questions about memory care services in the state.

The Cost of Memory Care in Oregon

Nationally, memory care facilities charge $5,625 per month for services, but in Oregon, rates are considerably higher at an estimated $6,306. Seniors may save money by obtaining care in the nearby states of Idaho or Nevada, where respective care costs come in at $4,798 and $4,688. Obtaining care in Oregon is an affordable alternative to living in a memory care facility in California, where fees are higher at $6,563, or in Washington, where rates average $7,500 per month.  

Corvallis is the cheapest city in Oregon to obtain memory care, with local rates slightly lower than the national median at $5,606. In Albany, seniors pay $5,663, and in Medford, memory care facilities charge $5,800. Bend residents pay $6,044, and in Portland, fees are closer to the state average at $6,219. Salem facilities charge $6,875, while Eugene is the costliest city to obtain care with an average rate of $7,029.  

Older adults in the early stages of dementia may be able to obtain the care they need through home care services, which cost $6,006 per month, or home health care, which is a little costlier at $6,101. Adult day care, which provides care in a daytime community setting, is considerably cheaper at $2,654. Those without memory impairments who need personal care may consider assisted living, which is more economical at $5,045. Memory care rates are over $1,000 higher at $6,306. Those obtaining nursing home level care pay the highest rates of $10,342 for shared rooms and $11,113 for private accommodations.  

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Oregon?

Oregon’s Medicaid program pays for memory care services for qualifying individuals directly via the K Plan option and through the Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver program. These programs are designed to help individuals avoid, delay or shorten the duration of nursing home placement.  

The K Plan option, officially called the Community First Choice State Plan Option, is part of the regular Medicaid program. It provides comprehensive coverage for community-based residential care as well as services in an individual’s home. The K Plan option is an entitlement of the Medicaid program and available to everyone who qualifies. The APD waiver is designed to help those in skilled nursing facilities return to their home or move to a community setting. Unlike regular Medicaid, this waiver has limited enrollment slots, and eligible applicants may be placed on a wait list.   

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Oregon?  

Oregon Medicaid pays for many services individuals obtain in memory care facilities. The scope of covered services depends on whether the individual is enrolled in the K Plan option or the APD waiver.

K Plan Option Coverage  

The K Plan, which is authorized under the Affordable Care Act, pays for services in an individual’s home or residential care community as an alternative to nursing home care. All members receive case management services plus additional services to meet their care needs. These may include: 

• Adult day health care services 
• Attendant care, including personal care and homemaker services 
• Assistive technology 
• Chore services 
• Transportation  
• Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers 
• Home modifications 
• Memory care services 
• Respite  
• Transition services to help individuals move from a nursing home to a memory care facility 

Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver Coverage

Like the K Plan option, the APD waiver pays for services related to moving from a nursing home to a less restrictive environment. It has higher income allowances than regular Medicaid, so those who don’t qualify for full Medicaid coverage may still be eligible from this waiver. Those who qualify for regular Medicaid’s K Plan option and the APD waiver may be enrolled in both programs simultaneously.  

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Oregon  

Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver  

Moving out of a nursing facility and into a less intensive environment such as a memory care facility can help individuals save thousands of dollars per year and enjoy greater freedom and flexibility, but making the transition can be expensive. While the APD waiver doesn’t cover ongoing expenses such as room and board, meals and recreational activities, it can pay for transition-related costs. Covered services may include: 

• Case management 
• Housing support services, including help with finding housing and submitting applications 
• Transition services to move from an institutional setting to a memory care facility, including security deposits and basic furnishings   

The APD waiver is available to those aged 65 and over who meet Medicaid’s residency guidelines. Additionally, applicants must be in a nursing home but want to live in at home or in a community setting. The program also has income and asset limits. Single applicants can have a monthly income of up to $2,523 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants who are both applying for the waiver may have a joint monthly income of no more than $5,046 and up to $4,000 in countable assets. If only one spouse is applying, only their income is considered, and it can be a maximum of $2,523 per month. The applicant’s asset limit is $2,000, and the non-applicant spouse can have up to $137,400 in countable assets.  

To apply for the APD waiver, individuals can request a paper application by calling the Oregon Health Plan Customer Service hotline at (800) 699-9075. They can also apply online here.  

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Oregon  

Applicants must meet Oregon Medicaid’s income and asset limits to qualify for coverage. Single applicants can have up to $17,131 per year in pretax income from all sources, including public benefits, pensions and retirement savings accounts. In two-person households in which both people are applying for Medicaid, the household income limit is $23,169. If only one person is applying, the income limit is the same and only the applicant’s income counts.    

Applicants must also meet asset limits, which are set at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples. If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, the non-applicant may retain up to $137,400 in jointly owned assets.

Exceeding income and asset limits may not disqualify individuals from enrolling in Medicaid. Spend-down programs, irrevocable trust funds and spousal asset transfers can help applicants meet the program’s eligibility guidelines.  

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Oregon 

To be eligible for Medicaid, applicants must be at least 65 years old, legal U.S. citizens or residents and permanent residents of Oregon. They must also need help with daily living activities.  

How to Apply for Medicaid in Oregon  

Seniors can apply for Oregon Medicaid online by submitting an application through ONE.Oregon.gov, or they can fill out and submit a paper application to:  

OHP Customer Service 
P.O. Box 14015  
Salem OR, 97309   

Individuals can call the OHP Customer Service hotline at (800) 699-9075 to get help with applying for Medicaid and Medicaid waiver programs or learn more about coverage options.   

Information You Will Need  

To apply for Medicaid, individuals must have the following information available:  

• Social Security Number  
• Date of birth (birth certificate, if available) 
• Proof of citizenship or immigration documentation 
• Proof of Oregon residency 
• Proof of income and assets 
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans, including TRICARE and Medicare  

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid  

Those seeking support or information regarding Oregon Medicaid have access to several government and nonprofit agencies. Through the following resources, seniors can get help with applying for the program, learning how to pay for memory care services through Medicaid and disputing denied applications or benefits.  

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Oregon?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Oregon. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will 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 Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Oregon.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Oregon

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 Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Oregon

Several government agencies and independent nonprofit programs serve Oregon seniors and families affected by dementia. Through the following resources, individuals can learn more about residential memory care and home-based alternatives, obtain advocacy services and connect with legal and financial advisors who help them navigate issues related to dementia.

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Oregon

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022, 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

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Human Services handles licensing for memory care communities. Each licensed facility must meet or exceed state requirements and train staff members on topics specific to dementia care. Licenses are valid for two years at a time, and facility inspections occur at least once during that period. To offer memory care, a residential care facility must obtain an endorsement specific to memory care on its license.

Frequently Asked Questions