Idaho Medicaid and assisted living

Does Idaho Medicaid pay for assisted living in Boise?

Idaho Medicaid can pay for the care part of assisted living, through its home and community based services for members who meet a nursing-facility level of care, but it does not pay the room and board part, which the resident covers from income.

IDHW's home and community based services page says members must demonstrate a need for a level of care that would qualify them for institutional services, and that HCBS may include case management, homemaker services, home health aide, personal care, adult day health, habilitation and respite. For seniors this is the Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver.

On IDHW's records, 66 of the 93 senior-serving RALFs in the five counties accept Idaho Medicaid, including 41 with secured memory care beds.

Which Treasure Valley assisted living facilities accept Medicaid?

Only those whose IDHW record says “Accepts Medicaid: yes”; our assisted living roster and every facility page show that field, so you can filter before you tour.

Idaho's admission agreement rules require each RALF to disclose the conditions under which a resident can stay if payment shifts to a public program. A parent who will run out of savings in two or three years should start in a building that takes Medicaid, to avoid a second move later.

How do you apply for Idaho Medicaid long-term care?

Apply through IDHW: online at idalink.idaho.gov or through the Benefits Customer Service Center at (877) 456-1233, which also handles questions by email at MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.

Eligibility looks at income, resources (generally $2,000 for a single person) and functional need. Spouses have protections; see how Idaho counts a couple's income. Gather bank statements, insurance policies and income letters before applying, and do not transfer assets without advice, because transfers can delay eligibility.

What does a Medicaid resident still pay in an Idaho RALF or certified family home?

Room and board, set in the admission agreement and paid from the resident's own income, plus anything the facility charges beyond the services Medicaid covers.

IDHW's certified family home page states it plainly: all residents are responsible for paying their provider a monthly room and board charge. In a RALF, ask for the Medicaid room and board rate in writing, and whether a private apartment costs extra.