Memory Care in Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is home to around 5.88 million people, with seniors aged 65 and older accounting for roughly 18% of the population. Each year, the risk of this demographic developing a cognitive condition such as Alzheimer’s increases. According to the CDC, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the state rose from 2,801 in 2016 to 3,628 in 2020. This increase of almost 30% is higher than the 23% increase in all deaths seen during the same period.

For support with this growing trend, Wisconsin dementia care homes offer support for individuals facing Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Within these communities, seniors receive 24-hour care and assistance provided by specially trained caregivers. This care meets daily living needs and helps prolong cognitive function and independence for as long as possible.

This guide outlines some of the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin for those of retirement age, the cost of memory care and a list of supportive resources available to seniors.

The Cost of Memory Care in Wisconsin

Costing approximately $5,750 per month, residential memory care services in Wisconsin are the highest among neighboring states. Similar services in Minnesota cost $5,635, or $115 less each month, and in Illinois, the rates are $5,610, a $140 difference. Iowa’s prices are lower still, at $5,459 each month. 

Many cities in Wisconsin, particularly the larger ones like Milwaukee and Madison, are more expensive than the state average. In smaller cities, like Wausau, prices are lower, at $5,156 per month. Memory care rates in Eau Claire, also a northern city, rise to $5,469, still lower than the state average, while Green Bay’s monthly average of $5,563 is much closer. In Sheboygan, memory care costs $5,781, which is right above the average, while in Madison, memory care costs $6,000, a $250 monthly increase. Milwaukee, meanwhile, sees a significant spike in prices, costing on average $6,655 per month for memory care.  

There are other forms of care aside from memory care, and they range from daily support in the form of adult day health care, for $1,723 per month, to intensive skilled nursing support, in a semiprivate or private room, for $9,022 or $9,733 every month. Assisted living prices average $4,600 a month, while home care, in the form of assistance with daily living plus help with chores, averages $5,529. And home health care, which involves support from licensed professionals, runs approximately $5,720 a month.    

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, seniors needing memory care in a residential setting like a memory care facility may have some of their services covered through two programs: the Family Care Partnership Program and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which is available only in certain counties. Seniors must be Medicaid-eligible and require a skilled nursing level of care. Under the umbrella of Family Care, the FCPP is meant to help delay a move into a nursing home by delivering a wide array of supportive services. Seniors can receive these services at home, in an adult day care center or in an assisted living setting.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Wisconsin?

While room-and-board costs aren’t paid for by FCPP or PACE, these programs do help pay for nursing services, certain rehabilitative therapies, medical transportation and other forms of medical care like dentistry. Recipients may also qualify for home and personal care, delivered meals and access to activities and health care at an adult day care center in an effort to divert or delay nursing home placement.

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Wisconsin

There are two waiver programs in Wisconsin that may offer services in an assisted living facility. The Family Care Partnership Program differs from PACE in that seniors can be 55 and older, but to qualify for either program, recipients must need a nursing level of care. PACE is also limited to four Wisconsin counties, whereas FCPP is available statewide.

Family Care Partnership Program

For frail elderly who require a nursing level of care, the Family Care Partnership Program may provide health care services in an assisted living setting, where memory care is often provided. In addition to being Medicaid-eligible, recipients must have a long-term care functional screen administered by a social worker or other qualified health professional through the local Aging and Disability Resource Center.   

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Available to seniors 55 and older living in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha or Waukesha counties who need skilled nursing services, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly offers services through Medicare within the home or community. Those enrolled in the PACE program work with a team of health professionals who create a personalized care plan that evolves as needs change. Although some of PACE’s benefits are offered through Medicaid, the program is a combination of services from Medicare, Medicaid and home and community-based long-term care. More details about eligibility are available through the local ADRC.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Wisconsin

Qualifying for Medicaid depends on meeting specific income and asset limitations as well as age, citizenship and disability status. Briefly, these qualifications are:

• Annual income limit of no more than $30,276 for individual applicant or $60,552 for couples 
• Held assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals or $4,000 for couples
• A full-time Wisconsin resident 
• U.S. citizenship, permanent resident or legal alien
• Either 65 or older, blind or disabled 

Applicants who are single must earn no more than $30,276 per year and own no more than $2,000 in assets. In two-person households where only one person is applying, the numbers are the same, but the non-applicant can retain $137,400 in assets. In households where both spouses are applying, the limits are doubled: The income threshold increases to $60,552, and assets increase to $4,000.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Wisconsin

*Per year

In Wisconsin, seniors whose income and assets are over the allowable limits can participate in the Medically Needy Program, where applicants spend down income on medical bills in order to qualify for Medicaid services. Specific spend-down amounts are the difference between the program’s income limit and a senior’s actual monthly income over 6 consecutive months. Once this amount has been met, Medicaid will kick in and cover eligible expenses for the remainder of the month. 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin

Seniors applying for Medicaid in Wisconsin can use ACCESS, the 24/7 online portal that lets them apply to multiple programs at once. Other options include printing and mailing in the form, going in person to the local income maintenance or tribal agency or calling to apply over the phone.

Information You Will Need

Before applying to Medicaid, you will need to show proof of income that spans a 5 year “look back” period, and this includes any other types of income from estates or trusts, retirement accounts, Social Security benefits or unemployment. You must also show proof of any assets bought or sold during the same time period.

In addition, you’ll need to have the following on hand:

• Past 5 years of income tax returns
• Copies of birth certificate and government-issued ID proving residency
• Titles for any owned properties and vehicles
• Power of attorney and guardianship documentation  
• Proof of medical expenses to meet a deductible 

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Several resources help families apply for Medicaid. Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers can provide more insight into what criteria must be met for eligibility, and they can screen applicants to confirm financial and physical eligibility for the Long-Term Care Programs. Application assistance is also available by calling ACCESS, the online application portal.    

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Wisconsin?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

Seniors in need of memory care have access to a number of valuable free and low-cost resources in their local Wisconsin community. From enrichment programs and support groups to educational classes, respite care and personalized care consultations, Wisconsin’s government and non-profit agencies provide a comprehensive array of services.  

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Wisconsin

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including  dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/15/2022,, 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

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, memory care facilities are categorized as community-based residential facilities. CRBFs are governed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Bureau of Assisted Living. To ensure high-quality care, the department requires memory support facilities to adhere to strict rules and guidelines. It enforces these rules through inspections that are conducted at random and in response to complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions