The southern state of Oklahoma is sought out for its warm weather, strong economy and outstanding hospitals, all of which make it a desirable retirement destination. It’s home to nearly 4 million residents and has a growing senior community that makes up a little over 16% of the population. Older adults obtain care from high-performing hospitals, such as Saint Francis Hospital South and INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, supporting a safe and comfortable retirement. 

Oklahoma is one of the cheapest states to live in, rating 83.7 on a cost of living index compared to a national score of 100. The state’s tax laws are retiree-friendly with full exemptions for Social Security benefits and a significant exemption for other retirement income. Assisted living is affordable, coming in lower than in other states at $3,855 monthly. To help cover costs, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program features the ADvantage Waiver.  

This guide provides more information on assisted living in Oklahoma, including what seniors pay for care, details on the state’s Medicaid program and top free and low-cost resources for seniors. 

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in in Oklahoma?

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Oklahoma is one of the cheapest states in the United States for assisted living services. On average, seniors in this state pay $3,855 for care, which is several hundred dollars lower than the national average of $4,500. Care costs in most of Oklahoma’s bordering states are higher than its median rate. Assisted living facilities in Texas charge $3,998 for services. In New Mexico and Kansas, care costs are comparable to the national median at $4,498 and $4,580, respectively. Of Oklahoma’s nearby states, Arkansas is the cheapest option for care, with locals paying $3,760 for services.  

The Cost of Assisted Living in Oklahoma’s Top Cities 

The cheapest surveyed city for assisted living services in Oklahoma is Lawton, where monthly fees average $3,561. In Tulsa, monthly care costs are equal to the state median at $3,855, and in Enid, care costs are a little higher at $3,980. In Oklahoma City, the state’s capital city, care costs are the highest surveyed in the state, exceeding the national median at $4,800. 

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care 

Seniors in Oklahoma have a range of long-term care options available. The cheapest care type is adult day health care, which costs $1,495 per month. Assisted living is more expensive at $3,855 but includes living costs, such as housing and meals. Home-based care, including homemaker services and home health aide services, is more expensive than assisted living at $4,862 per month. Nursing homes charge $5,475 per month for semiprivate accommodations, which is 40% higher than assisted living rates.  

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

Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare, is a health coverage program that pays for some or all of a qualifying individual’s medical bills. This program is funded jointly by the state and federal governments and ensures access to health services for those unable to otherwise afford them. This program covers doctor’s visits, prescription medications and hospitalizations.  

While the regular SoonerCare program doesn’t cover assisted living services, seniors may obtain services under the ADvantage Waiver Program. This program pays for services necessary to help seniors avoid nursing home placement, including personal care, skilled nursing and meals. 

Medicaid’s Coverage for Assisted Living in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma’s Medicaid program has provisions for assisted living through the ADvantage Waiver. This waiver expands the regular program’s coverage to accommodate the needs of seniors who require skilled nursing services but prefer to live in assisted living, rather than a nursing home. The services that program participants receive depend on their specific care needs.  

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Oklahoma 

ADvantage Waiver Program 

The ADvantage Waiver Program enables eligible individuals to live in an assisted living facility, rather than a nursing home. To qualify for this program, applicants must be at least 65 years old and require personal care and skilled nursing services. They must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and they must permanently reside in Oklahoma.  

The program pays for a broad range of services depending on the individual’s needs, including: 

• Assisted living 
• Adult day health care 
• Case management 
• Prescription medications 
• Specialized medical equipment 
• Hospice  
• Personal care  
• Any other services that can be provided in assisted living to help residents avoid or postpone nursing home placement 

To apply for the ADvantage Waiver, seniors can call the ADvantage Administration office at (800) 435-4711 or apply in person at their nearest Department of Human Services office.  

Eligibility for Medicaid in Oklahoma 

Medicaid is available to individuals who meet income and asset guidelines. Single applicants can have an annual income of up to $17,131, and they can have up to $2,000 in assets. If they are married, only their income and assets are considered, and their spouse can have up to $137,400 in countable assets. If both people in a two-person household are applying for Medicaid, they may have a joint annual income of $23,169, and each may have $2,000 in assets. Medicaid counts all forms of income, including public benefits, pensions, withdrawals from retirement accounts and stock dividends. However, it doesn’t count all assets. The applicant’s primary residence, personal belongings and one vehicle are exempt. For those who exceed income and asset guidelines, options are available to help them qualify for coverage. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Oklahoma  

	Income Limits*	Asset Limit
Single Applicant	$17,131	$2,000
Two-Person Household  (Only One Person Applying)	$17,131	$2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household  (Both People Applying)	$23,169	$2,000 per applicant

*Per year 

Outside of financial requirements, applicants must meet other eligibility requirements for Medicaid. These include: 

• Age: Applicants must be at least 65 years old or have a disability 
• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents 
• Residency: Applicants must be permanent Oklahoma residents 

Applying for Medicaid in Oklahoma 

Seniors can apply for SoonerCare through the Department of Human Services, either by visiting their local county office or by calling the department’s helpline at (877) 751-2972. They can also apply online at OKDHSLive!. 

Before You Apply:

Prior to submitting an application, individuals should have documents on hand to support their eligibility for services. These may include: 

• Social Security Number 
• Birth certificate 
• Proof of Oklahoma residency 
• Income verification letters 
• Proof of assets, including bank account statements 
• Policy numbers for primary health insurance coverage, if applicable  

Where to Go to Get Help 

Seniors in Oklahoma have several programs, agencies and helplines they can contact for personalized assistance with applying for SoonerCare and the ADvantage Waiver. Through the following resources, seniors can learn more about the program’s coverage and cost-sharing responsibilities, how to locate a provider and what to do if a claim is denied.  

Resource	Contact	Service
American Council on Aging	Online Contact Form	The American Council on Aging helps older adults determine whether they’re eligible for Medicaid by publishing up-to-date information on the program’s eligibility requirements, as well as options for qualifying if those limits are exceeded. The website also outlines current waiver programs and links to contact information for Medicaid planners.
Social Security Administration	(800) 772-1213	Seniors can contact the Social Security Administration to obtain replacement Social Security cards and instant access to their Benefit Verification letter, which they need to apply for Medicaid. The administration’s website also provides an overview of Medicaid and state-specific information on how to apply.
SoonerCare Helpline	(800) 987-7767	Medicare applicants get free personalized assistance with the application process through the SoonerCare Helpline. This helpline is staffed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can answer questions on SoonerCare benefits, how to qualify and what to do if a claim is denied.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority	(405) 522-7300	The Oklahoma Health Care Authority houses Oklahoma’s Medicaid Agency and features the MySoonerCare portal, which outlines income guidelines, how-to videos, a list of registered providers and the SoonerCare member handbook. The website also features information on Medicaid benefits and waivers.
DHS ADvantage Administration	(800) 435-4711	The DHS ADvantage Administration manages the ADvantage Waiver, which covers assisted living services for qualifying individuals in Oklahoma. Its website features a provider list and in-depth information on the waiver’s benefits.

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

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Oklahoma. 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 what Medicare visit medicare.gov.

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

	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 Oklahoma

Transitioning to assisted living is a significant event, and the process can be confusing. Fortunately, older adults in Oklahoma have access to supportive services to help them navigate the move. Through the following resources, older adults can find out more about assisted living options in Oklahoma, ways to pay for services and their options for recourse if they don’t receive the quality and scope of care they need in residential care. 

Resource	Contact	Service
Area Agencies on Aging	(800) 211-2116	Oklahoma’s Area Agencies on Aging are operated by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and provide free and low-cost services under the Older Americans Act. There are 11 agencies in the state, each of which serves those aged 60 and over in their respective regions. Through their local agency, seniors access information and referral services, options counseling and public benefits assistance, which can help them find the right assisted living facility and payment options for their needs.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman	(405) 521-2281	The Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves assisted living residents throughout the state by helping them understand their rights, receive the quality of care they deserve and access publications relevant to long-term care planning. The ombudsman can also help seniors and families file complaints with the state’s Health Department and resolve issues related to substandard care or treatment.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma	(888) 534-5243	Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services in cities throughout the state. It has licensed legal professionals who help seniors navigate issues, such as will planning, applying for public benefits and obtaining veterans’ and survivors’ benefits.
Oklahoma Senior Corps	(405) 521-6240	Oklahoma’s Senior Corps Program encompasses the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program. These volunteer opportunities enable older adults to serve their communities in various capacities according to their interests, abilities and schedules. RSVP is for those aged 55 and over, and the other programs are for those at least 60 years old.
Oklahoma Alliance on Aging	(405) 943-1895	The Oklahoma Alliance on Aging advocates on behalf of the interests of seniors in the state. It has a blog that highlights issues that affect older adults in Oklahoma, including legislative bills and how to recognize elder abuse. It also facilitates informational and educational events throughout the year.
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs	(855) 701-6382	The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs operates seven veterans’ homes throughout the state, which may provide affordable alternatives to private assisted living services for qualifying veterans and survivors. The department also has local offices where seniors can get personalized assistance with applying for state and federal benefits.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program	(800) 763-2828	SHIP is a free program that provides Medicare counseling for seniors, which may help them pay for medical and long-term care expenses. SHIP counselors can also help older adults review and understand medical bills, resolve billing errors and recognize and prevent Medicare fraud and wasteful spending.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Oklahoma

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including oklahoma.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022, 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
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes
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 Oklahoma

The Oklahoma State Department of Health regulates assisted living facilities in Oklahoma, ensuring a consistently high standard of care for all residents. It sets standards for the scope of care these facilities provide, as well as building requirements, medication management and staffing. The department enforces these regulations through an initial licensing process and annual reviews.