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Nursing Homes in Alaska
Affectionately known as the Last Frontier, Alaska beckons retirees with its pristine landscapes, rich natural beauty and unique lifestyle. The state has a population of 731,545, including more than 90,000 senior citizens. Residents have access to a strong health care system with 27 major hospitals, including the high-performing Alaska Native Medical Center and the Providence Alaska Medical Center both in Anchorage. The state has 20 licensed long-term care facilities that serve approximately 500 residents at any given time.
Nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities in Alaska provide 24-hour nursing care and medical services to residents who have an illness, disease or medical infirmity. The average cost of these services is $37,413 per month for a semiprivate room and $36,378 for a private room, which is four to five times higher than the national average. This guide explores the cost of nursing homes in Alaska along with financial assistance programs and free resources that can help you find the care you need.
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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Alaska
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, nursing homes in Alaska charge $37,413 per month for around-the-clock care. Provider responses show that rates are 4.8 times higher than the U.S. median of $7,756. Prices are also significantly higher than other states on the West Coast. Alaska’s nursing homes are about three times more expensive than those in Hawaii where seniors pay $12,015 per month of care. Oregon is more expensive than its neighbors California and Washington. However, nursing home care in the state costs $27,299 less per month than Alaska, an annual savings of over $327,000. Seniors who are looking for similar quality of life at a lower cost may consider Montana where nursing homes charge $7,665 per month, slightly less than the U.S. average.
Since Alaska has just two metropolitan statistical areas, data on local and regional long-term care costs is limited. Seniors in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, pay $31,664 per month for nursing home care. This represents a monthly savings of $5,749 or 15% over the state median. Although Anchorage and Juneau are more affordable than average, nursing home prices are still several times higher than other principal West Coast cities, including Bellingham, Washington, at $8,517; Seattle, WA, at $10,624, and Portland, Oregon, at $10,083.
Anchorage
$31664
Juneau
$31664
Seattle, WA
$10624
Bellingham, WA
$8517
Portland, OR
$10083
Long-term care prices vary widely in Alaska. Nursing homes are the most expensive option with a median monthly cost of $37,413. Assisted living costs $6,633 per month. Compared to nursing home care, rates seem reasonable. However, assisted living costs 54% more than other parts of the country. In-home care provided by a homemaker or home health aide costs $5,339-$5,346 per month, which is similar to the U.S. median, and adult day care costs $3,055 per month, about twice the national average.
In-Home Care
$5339
Home Health Care
$5346
Adult Day Care
$3055
Assisted Living Facility
$6633
Nursing Home Care
$37413
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Alaska?
Medicaid in Alaska is more likely to cover in-home care and services than nursing home costs. Waiver programs may fund private duty nurses, respite care, assisted living services, meals and specialized medical equipment for seniors who meet the criteria. If a senior needs long-term support in a nursing home environment, however, Medicaid does offer a specialized Community First Choice program that may be able to fund their care.
Over 125,000 Alaskans are enrolled in Medicaid. Of these enrollees, 54% are over the age of 65 and 15% are over the age of 85. There are 18 long-term care facilities in Alaska. The services and homes covered under Medicaid may depend on where a senior lives in the state and their personal circumstances.
Medicaid Eligibility in Alaska
A single applicant for nursing home Medicaid coverage in Alaska can’t make above $2,742 a month and can’t have more than $2,000 in assets. For a couple who are both applying for coverage, the limit is $5,484 in combined monthly income and $3,000 in assets. If only one spouse is applying, the applicant must meet the income limits of a single applicant. The non-applicant spouse can have up to $148,620 in assets. An applicant’s entire income must go to nursing home expenses, maintenance needs for a non-applicant spouse and Medicaid fees, with the exception of a personal allowance of $200 a month.
| 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 People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*All monthly income except for a $200 personal needs allowance and Medicare premiums must go toward nursing home costs. There may also be a monthly needs allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
Seniors must be over the age of 65 or disabled in order to qualify for Medicaid. The treatments and services must be medically necessary. In order for a senior to qualify for nursing home care under Medicaid, they must show evidence that they require an institutional level of care. They must also prove they’re a legal resident or citizen of the United States and a resident of Alaska and that their income is beneath the financial limit.
How To Apply for Medicaid in Alaska
Seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage online, by phone or through the mail. The online resources for determining eligibility and applying are at Healthcare.gov and via My.alaska.gov through the ARIES self-service portal. Seniors can also apply over the phone at (800) 478-7778 (TDD/Alaska Relay: 7-1-1). The third option is printing out a paper form from the Alaska Department of Health website and mailing it to the closest public assistance office. It may take up to 30 days to process the application.
Information You Will Need:
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, ID card or passport
- Immigration papers for those born outside the United States
- Proof of residency, such as a rental agreement, mortgage statement or utility bill
- Proof of income, such W-2 forms, tax returns, pay stubs, employer statements, bookkeeping records or an agency letter outlining income from benefits, retirement or child support
- Proof of medical expenses, such as billing statements, receipts or repayment agreements
- Any other documents the applicant can use to support their claim
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Alaska
The process of applying for Medicaid can be complex. Even seniors who’ve been approved for Medicaid may not fully understand what their plan covers. Families who have concerns or questions about the process or their coverage can reach out to several state and federal offices.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Public Assistance Offices | (800) 478-7778 hssdpadirectoroffice@alaska.gov | The Alaska Public Assistance offices handle all Medicaid applications for the state. Families can use this phone number or email to ask questions about the process, check on the status of their application and get state-specific information, such as the address of their nearest Public Assistance Office. |
| Senior and Disabilities Services | Medicaid Information Office: (907) 269-3680 Anchorage Office: (907) 269-3666 Juneau Office: (907) 465-3372 Fairbanks Office: (907) 451-5045 | Alaska's Senior and Disabilities Services guides seniors to appropriate programs and community services and helps families apply for Medicaid and discover additional supports they may be eligible for. Families can call Senior and Disabilities Services for more information about Alaska's Community First Choice Program, which can provide nursing home coverage to seniors who meet the criteria. |
| Medicaid Recipient Helpline | (800) 780-9972 memberhelp@conduent.com | Various Medicaid plans and waivers cover different treatments and services. The Medicaid Recipient Helpline assists families who've been approved for Medicaid but aren't sure what category their plan is in, what's covered or which waivers they may be eligible for. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Alaska?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Medicare Support and Resources in Alaska
Medicare can’t cover long stays in a nursing home, but families who utilize short-term Medicare resources in conjunction with other funding sources may find they have more coverage than they expect. Families who are confused about the process can reach out to organizations that specialize in guiding seniors through the Medicare system.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 (877) 486-2048 (TTY) | The official Medicare website contains information on policies, eligibility and how to apply. Families with specific questions about the application process, their own coverage or additional programs or waivers can call or use the live chat function on the Medicare website to speak with a trained representative. |
| Senior and Disabilities Services | (907) 269-3680 (Anchorage) (800) 478-6065 (Statewide) hss.medicare@alaska.gov | Alaska's Senior and Disabilities Services helps Alaskans receive maximum benefit from their Medicare coverage. The agency offers classes in Medicare and one-to-one counseling. Alaskans can also receive advice about how to spot and resolve errors and avoid Medicare scams. |
| Aging and Disability Resource Center | (855) 565-2017 | Alaska's Aging and Disability Resource Centers connects Alaskan seniors with community resources, including transportation, assistive technology or in-home health care. Trained advisers provide information about insurance options and available resources for long-term care. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Alaska
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| 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 skilled nursing care. |
| 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 nursing care. 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 skilled nursing care. 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 skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (907) 334-4480 | Alaska's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects seniors' rights as they transition to nursing home care. It can help manage complaints, resolve housing issues and protect seniors from fraud and abuse. Families can also contact the ombudsman's office to discuss conditions at nursing homes and receive advice on how to best care for their loved one. |
| Alaska Pioneer Homes Program | (907) 465-4416 | The Alaska Pioneer Homes Program is a collection of state-run assisted living homes located in Fairbanks, Palmer, Anchorage, Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Designed for Alaska residents with low income who may not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, Pioneer Homes are significantly less expensive than private assisted living facilities. If the monthly fees at Pioneer Homes are still too high, additional grants may help subsidize the cost. |
| Alaska Veterans Affairs | (877) 222-8387 | Veterans who reside in Anchorage can receive medical treatments, caregiver support and counseling at the VA Medical Center. For Alaskan senior veterans, the Alaska branch of the VA may be able to find or help pay for skilled nursing care or in-home services. Veterans who have signed up for VA health care may even have nursing home care covered under their insurance plan. |
| Chugachmiut | (800) 478-4155 | A Native-run nonprofit in Alaska, Chugachmiut provides family and vocational services to the seven Indigenous tribes in the Chugach region. They help Indigenous Alaskan elders apply for financial assistance and navigate the process of entering long-term care. Caregivers of Native Alaskan seniors can turn to Chugachmiut for counseling, support groups and respite care. Chugachmiut provides culturally appropriate resources to Chugach elders. |
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. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Alaska
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Nursing homes in Alaska are licensed by the Health Facilities Licensing and Certification unit, which is part of the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Services. This agency is responsible for certifying health care facilities and upholding the state's long-term care regulations. |
| Staffing | Alaska has strict minimum staffing standards based on the size of the facility. Nursing homes must have an on-duty RN seven days a week and at least five evenings per week. An on-site LPN and an on-call RN must be available at all other times. Requirements may vary for facilities with fewer than 14 beds, more than 60 beds or those that are part of a larger medical center. |
| Staff Training | Nursing homes must maintain records showing that all medical professionals have appropriate licenses or certifications. Facilities must provide in-service training for all staff members as well as records of these activities. Alaska requires a comprehensive criminal background check for all direct-care workers, and certified nursing assistants in the state must have at least 140 hours of training, which is nearly double the federal minimum. |
| Admission Restrictions | Facilities must have written policies and procedures governing the admissions process. They may only admit residents whose needs they can meet safety through on-site services and community resources. |
| Care Planning | Facilities must develop a comprehensive plan of care within 14 days of admission. The plan of care must be reviewed by a nurse and approved by an interdisciplinary care team quarterly or more frequently if needed. |
| Dietary and Nutrition Services | Skilled nursing facilities that provide dietetic services must employ a qualified full-time dietician or dietetic supervisor. An RD must consult with the administrator, medical team and kitchen staff at least once every three months. Facilities must maintain individualized dietetic profiles for each resident, and they must provide sufficient food to meet residents' medical and nutritional needs. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Nursing homes must provide specialized rehabilitative nursing services with the goal of helping residents' achieve optimal self-sufficiency. Services may be provided by a physical, an occupational or a speech therapist who is employed full or part-time or as a consultant. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Nursing homes must have licensed pharmacists review each residents' medication regimen and drug history at least once every 30 days or more frequently if required. |
| Activities | Skilled nursing facilities must provide individualized recreational activities to all residents. These programs must address residents' physical, emotional and cognitive needs and must be appropriate for their medical condition and abilities. Facilities must monitor residents' participation, and the activity program coordinator must work with an interdisciplinary team to modify the resident's activity plan as needed. |
| Infection Control | All health care facilities, excluding home health care agencies and hospice providers, must establish an infection control committee that's responsible for establishing and maintaining written procedures for documenting, reporting and preventing the spread of infectious or communicable diseases. |
| Medicaid Coverage | DenaliCare, Alaska's Medicaid program pays from nursing home care if individuals meet income and asset requirements and have a medical need. |
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