Louisiana has much to offer seniors in assisted living. The state has a low cost of living as compared to the national average, and there’s no tax on Social Security income or public pensions. Out of the state’s approximate 4,624,047 residents, 15.9% are aged 65 and older. To accommodate this demographic, there are world-class hospitals, including Ochsner Health — a New Orleans medical facility named the country’s best by U.S. News and World Report.

Seniors in Louisiana can expect to pay an average of $3,748 per month for assisted living. This is less than Texas, where assisted living costs around $3,998 monthly. Mississippi’s cost of $3,500 per month for assisted living is on par with Louisiana’s, as is Arkansas’, at $3,760. Louisiana assisted living costs are cheaper than the U.S. median cost of $4,500, making it one of the more affordable states for assisted living.

This guide contains helpful information about assisted living in Louisiana, including cost comparisons and financial assistance information. There are details about eligibility and application requirements for various programs along with free and low-cost resources for seniors.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Louisiana?

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Louisiana seniors can expect to pay $3,748 monthly for assisted living costs. This is more affordable than the United States average of $4,500 and the $3,998 Texas average. Arkansas’ monthly assisted living cost is also slightly more at $3,760, along with Oklahoma’s average of $3,855. Mississippi has a per-month assisted living cost of $3,500 that’s only slightly lower than Louisiana’s.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Louisiana’s Top Cities

Assisted living costs in Louisiana vary from city to city. Monroe has the lowest cost on the list at $2,650, while Houma’s is the highest at $4,800. There are several cities close to the state’s assisted living monthly average of $3,748, including Shreveport at $3,870, New Orleans at $3,973 and Lake Charles at $4,000 per month on average for assisted living. Hammond is middle-of-the-range at $3,450 for estimated monthly assisted living costs.

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care

Older adults have multiple options for long-term care in Louisiana. Assisted living ($3,748) provides help with daily activities in a residential setting, but there’s also adult day health care ($1,788) for seniors who live in their own homes and need daytime assistance and socialization. Homemaker services ($3,623) are an option for seniors who need someone to take care of basic homemaking tasks, while home health aide services ($3,718) are for those in need of home-based medical care. A semiprivate room at a nursing home ($5,759) is an option for Louisiana seniors who need comprehensive medical care.

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Louisiana?

Louisiana Medicaid does not pay for assisted living costs, except where seniors in certified facilities require nursing-level care. However, seniors may qualify for benefits and waiver programs. These programs can make overall monthly expenses more manageable, so seniors can apply more funds towards the cost of assisted living.

There’s the Community Choices Waiver (CCW), which provides personal assistance and transition services for older adults moving from a nursing facility into a senior community or another residential setting. Another program is the Long Term-Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) Program, which helps with activities of daily living (ADLs). The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is another option — it provides health care, transportation and other important services for assisted living residents and other eligible seniors.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Louisiana

Although Louisiana Medicaid doesn’t cover assisted living costs, there are many areas of coverage that can help seniors save money on medical expenses. Doctor visits, emergency services and dental care are just three of the many services covered by this program. As mentioned, there are several waivers and programs in the state that may also prove helpful for adults aged 65 and over:

• Community Choices Waiver (CCW): Through this program, seniors can receive case management services, transitional counseling and coordination and nursing services — among many other benefits.
• Long Term-Personal Care Services Program (LT-PCS): Transportation for medical appointments and housekeeping are two of the services available through this program.
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Health care services for seniors are available through the PACE program. There are other care types provided, including respite care and facility care.

Like Medicaid, these programs don’t directly pay for room and board or other expenses associated with assisted living. However, by covering the costs of other expensive services — such as health care and transportation — seniors have more income available to pay for assisted living.

Waivers Programs for Assisted Living in Louisiana 

There are three programs that can help make assisted living costs easier to cover for seniors on a fixed income. Seniors who qualify for Medicaid may also qualify for one or more of the following programs:

Resource	Contact	Service
Community Choices Waiver (CCW)	(877) 456-1146	This waiver program is for seniors with Medicaid deemed in need of nursing-level care. There are income and resource limits that seniors can’t exceed in order to qualify. The Louisiana Department of Health maintains a waiting list for the CCW that seniors can join by calling the office during weekday business hours.
Long Term-Personal Care Services Program (LT-PCS)	(877) 456-1146	The LT-PCS program is also administered by the Louisiana Department of Health. Seniors who meet income requirements and receive Medicaid may be eligible for this program, which assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) including transportation services. This may help seniors in assisted living save money, especially if transportation services are billed separately from room and board.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)	(504) 945-1531 for Greater New Orleans(225) 490-0604 for the Baton Rouge area(337) 470-4500 for the Lafayette area	PACE covers an array of medical services for eligible seniors, which can help them reserve funds for assisted living expenses. Primary and specialty care services are just two areas of coverage provided through this program.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Louisiana

There are income limits Louisiana seniors must meet to receive Medicaid. In addition, applicants’ assets cannot exceed a certain value. For single seniors, the annual income limit is $18,756. Couples can receive an income up to $25,272 and still qualify if all other criteria are met. Assets can’t exceed $2,000 for singles or $3,000 for couples, with an annual asset limit of $128,640 for non-applicants in the household.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Louisiana

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$18,756	$2,000
Two-Person Household (Only One Person Applying)	$25,272	$2,000 for applicant $128,640 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Both People Applying)	$25,272	$3,000

*per year

Income and value of assets aren’t the only factors considered when Medicaid applications are processed. There are other requirements that determine Medicaid eligibility for seniors, some of which are as follows:

• Seniors must receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or,
• Receive Medicare
• Have low-income
• Be blind and/or disabled
• Show proof of citizenship or legal residency status

Applying for Medicaid in Louisiana

There are multiple ways for seniors to apply for Medicaid in Louisiana. Applications can be completed online at the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application website. Seniors can also apply over the phone at (888) 342-6207 — this hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Paper applications can be printed and mailed to the address that’s listed on the application. Or seniors can visit their local Medicaid office to submit a paper application or obtain assistance with the process.

Before You Apply:

Seniors can make the Medicaid process run more smoothly by gathering all required documents ahead of time. At a minimum, you will need:

• Valid identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of income and assets
• Copies of insurance policies for household members
• Required citizenship documentation

Some verifications can be done online for seniors applying through the website. For paper applications, copies of paper documents will need to be provided. Once a Medicaid application is submitted, a representative will notify the applicant if further information or documents are required.

Where to Go to Get Help

Seniors can get help with Medicaid applications through multiple state agencies. Louisiana Medicaid has a customer service number and email for inquiries. There’s also assistance available through the Louisiana Department of Health Aging and Adult Services division, along with through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).  

Resource	Contact	Service
Louisiana Medicaid	(888) 342-6207	Seniors can obtain Medication application assistance from a representative by phone. For inquiries via email, contact [email protected].
Louisiana Department of Health Aging and Adult Services	(866) 758-5035	Aging and Adult Services is a division of the Louisiana Department of Health. Seniors can contact this office for help with applying for benefits and referrals to other agencies that may be of assistance.
Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs/Area Agencies on Aging	(225) 342-7100	Through the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs, seniors can locate their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These agencies provide many services and resources for older adults in Louisiana, including help with applying for Medicaid.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Louisiana?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Louisiana. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.

For more information about Medicare visit medicare.gov.

Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Louisiana?

	How to Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Apply online at va.gov.	If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility.
Reverse Mortgages	Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov.	While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Louisiana

There are resources across Louisiana for seniors in assisted living. Some services and resources available include advocacy, counseling, transportation and benefits assistance. There’s an AARP office for the state, through which older adults can obtain a wealth of senior-oriented services.

Resource	Contact	Service
Area Agencies on Aging	(225) 342-7100	Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provide multiple services to Louisiana seniors. Through the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs, seniors can find their local AAA. These agencies provide transportation, counseling, referrals, nutritional programs, community outreach and other services for older adults.
Louisiana AARP	(877) 434-7598	There’s a wide range of resources available to Louisiana seniors through the state AARP office. Seniors can obtain free tax preparation services and find volunteer opportunities. There are safe-driving courses and an array of educational webinars on topics relevant to those aged 65 and older.
Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs	(225) 219-5000	Senior veterans — and those of all ages — can find their local VA office through the Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs website. These offices provide benefits assistance, mental health services, employment programs and other resources that may prove useful for senior veterans in assisted living.
Louisiana Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Office	(225) 342-9723 or (866) 632-0922	The Louisiana Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Office handles complaints from residents and caregivers at assisted living communities and other senior living facilities. These issues may include abuse suspicions or allegations, which are promptly addressed and escalated to the proper authorities. This office also provides advocacy and referral services for seniors and their families.
Louisiana Senior Centers	(225) 342-7100	The Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs maintains a list of senior centers throughout Louisiana. Seniors in assisted living can find the center closest to them through the GOEA website. These centers provide healthy socialization through special-interest clubs, events, fitness programs and other activities. There are meal programs and even planned outings available through some of Louisiana’s senior centers.
Social Security Administration	(800) 772-1213	Seniors can locate their local SSA office on the main website, as well as apply for benefits and manage benefit accounts. Representatives at local SSA offices are available during normal business hours to answer questions and provide assistance.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Louisiana

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including ldh.la.gov and cms.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, 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.

Visiting Loved Ones

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	No (Conditions Apply)
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?	Yes
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Yes
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	No
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Yes
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Louisiana

Assisted living facilities in Louisiana are regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health. This department sets rules for these senior communities, which pertain to areas including but not limited to capacity, security and staff training. Regular and random assessments are performed to ensure assisted living facilities in the state are up to code.