Assisted Living Facilities near Seattle, WA

VA benefits for assisted living in Seattle

While VA benefits will not directly pay room and board for assisted living, some veterans may qualify for support through the VA in other ways. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides for expenses that improve quality of life. This benefit is in addition to the VA pension. Additionally, those enrolled in the VA health system may qualify for VA health benefits to support long-term care like physical therapy.

Seattle has several local veteran organizations that provide support in a number of ways, from financial assistance and claims assistance to support services like transportation help. Beyond Seattle-based organizations, national programs such as Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) may be able to offer support through community-based services. VD-HCBS offers health aide care, skilled care, adult day health care, respite care, telehealth services, and more to qualified veterans.

Applying for VA benefits of any kind can be a long and challenging process, so it is best to reach out to the resources below as early as possible for help before applying. In addition to veterans service organizations, the Seattle public library has a program that helps connect veterans to social services.

Seattle Medicaid for assisted living

Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington, provides funding for assisted living as long as the facility is licensed by Washington State and accepts Medicaid payments. Medicaid clients can access three levels of service packages depending on their care needs.

Medicaid may also cover necessary in-home care services through the Home and Community-Based Services waiver program (HCBS). These waivers allow states to use Medicaid money for senior care in assisted living facilities.

You can get help determining eligibility with a benefits screening from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. In addition to the resources below, Washington’s ombudsman for Apple Health can also help people navigate complaints, grievances, and the appeals process. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network, a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the VA, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, helps connect seniors to any benefits that might be applied to their financial or health situations.

Seattle resident Medicaid resources

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over the age of 65. Because assisted living is a form of custodial care, costs related to board or rent are not covered under Medicare, nor are activities related to daily living in an assisted living facility.

However, Medicare Part A may cover skilled nursing care for services in assisted living facilities, like physical therapy or changing sterile dressings. For those who are homebound and in need of skilled care, Medicare Part A and Part B may cover home health services, including:

• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medical social services
• Part-time home health aide services
• Occasional skilled nursing care
• Injectable osteoporosis drugs

Seattle’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is on hand to provide people answers to questions about processes related to Medicare. In contrast, programs like the Medicare Savings Program and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program can help qualified individuals with some actual Medicare-related costs. There’s also the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that can help eligible seniors with health care and daily needs. Some seniors who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid might qualify for PACE.

Seniors and families can contact Seattle’s Social Security Administration and local ombudsman for additional support. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network helps connect seniors to any benefits that might be available for their situations. This is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the VA, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.