Does Assisted Living Take All Your Income?
No, assisted living does not automatically take all your income. Instead, families pay a monthly fee directly to the community for housing, meals, care services, and amenities. How much of your income is used depends on your resources, insurance, and eligibility for other programs.
At Keepsake Kottage Home Plus, we help Wichita families understand costs and explore payment options to make care more manageable.
How Payments Work
Residents or their families typically pay assisted living fees directly to the community each month. These fees cover housing, meals, care services, and activities. Assisted living communities do not automatically take or control all of your income; rather, you use your available income and resources to pay the bill.
Income vs. Costs
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Kansas ranges between $4,000–$6,000 per month, though smaller communities may be more affordable. Many seniors use Social Security, pensions, retirement savings, or help from family to cover costs. Whether your entire income goes toward assisted living depends on your monthly resources and the community’s pricing.
Insurance and Benefits Support
Standard health insurance and Medicare generally do not cover room and board in assisted living. However…
- Long-term care insurance – May reimburse some costs when benefit triggers are met.
- Veterans’ benefits – Eligible veterans and spouses may qualify for programs that help with monthly expenses.
- Life insurance conversion – Some policies can be converted to help cover care costs.
Medicaid Considerations
In Kansas, Medicaid may cover certain assisted living services through waiver programs. However, Medicaid generally does not pay for room and board, which is the largest portion of monthly fees. Income and asset eligibility rules apply, and planning ahead is important.
Planning Tips for Wichita Families
- Calculate monthly income from all sources (Social Security, pensions, savings).
- Request a full breakdown of what’s included in assisted living fees.
- Ask about payment options, shared accommodations, or smaller rooms.
- Explore insurance coverage, veterans’ benefits, or Medicaid programs.
- Work with a financial planner if needed to balance income and care costs.
FAQs: Assisted Living and Income
Does assisted living take all of your Social Security check?
No. You use Social Security as one source of payment, but communities do not automatically take it. Families pay the monthly fee directly.
What happens if income is not enough?
Families often combine income with savings, family support, insurance benefits, or Medicaid programs if eligible.
Does Medicaid cover everything in assisted living?
No. Medicaid in Kansas may cover some care services, but not room and board. Families are responsible for the remainder.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or medical advice. Coverage and policies vary by provider and may change. Always confirm details with your community and licensed professionals.
