Assisted Living in Minnesota

Minnesota is a wonderful place for an active senior to retire, with plentiful golf courses and some of the countries best bike trails (including 95 that are accessible to wheelchairs). While retirement income is taxed, there are tax exemptions available for the elderly in this state. There are many people that choose to retire here, and it’s projected that 1 in 5 of all Minnesotans will be over age 65 by the year 2030.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Minnesota

While you’re researching assisted living facility options in Minnesota, you’ll want to note information about available amenities, room sizes, services, prices and more. See our comprehensive directory below to view detailed information about assisted living facilities in the state of Minnesota.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Minnesota

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Minnesota and 43 additional cities within Minnesota.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Minnesota

Minnesota’s assisted living costs have increased by about 1% from 2022 to 2023, which is a much lower rate of inflation than the national average at nearly 10%. In fact, Minnesota’s prices are projected to go down in 2024 by almost 3%, while the national average could rise again by 8%.

Neighboring states show a variety of price trends. Wisconsin’s prices have risen to $4,992 in 2023, and North Dakota’s rates are up by 14%. Iowa’s prices are rising more slowly at about 2.5%, while South Dakota’s have dropped slightly. To account for changing costs, seniors must plan carefully.

Assisted Living Costs in Minnesota's Top Cities

Minnesota’s cities show a variety of assisted living rates. The state average is $4,433 per month. Minneapolis’ costs are nearly on par at $4,332. St. Paul’s prices jump to $5,249. Mankato’s rates are significantly lower at $3,411, while Duluth’s fall on the bottom end of the cost spectrum at $3,350. Cost of living and available resources play an important role in assisted living prices in these cities.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Minnesota residents have many choices for senior living. People who can live independently but still want some enjoyable amenities might select independent living for about $2,697 per month. Seniors who need help with daily living activities, medication and household tasks may turn to assisted living for $4,433. Memory care is designed for people struggling with memory loss. It costs an average of $5,934.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Minnesota

In Minnesota, assisted living facilities are called housing with services establishments, or just establishments. While Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) program, commonly called Medicaid in other states, doesn’t pay room and board, it does provide payment waivers for assisted living services received while living in a housing with services establishment.

Elderly Medicaid Waiver

Residents of Minnesota that need financial assistance for long-term care services received at housing with services establishments may qualify for the Elderly Waiver (EW) if they are low-income and in need of nursing-home level carer.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for long-term care coverage through the Medical Assistance program, applicants need to require assistance with at least four activities of daily living (ADLs).

Applicants also need to qualify based on age and income:

• All applicants need to be at least 65 years old, or disabled.
• Applicants must be citizens of the US and residents of Minnesota.
• Monthly income limits are generally set at 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) a month for each individual, $1,012 in 2018 or $1,372 for a couple
• Total assets cannot exceed $3,000, or $6,000 for a couple. If one spouse remains in the community, they may be transferred assets up to $123,600. Other assets are commonly excluded, like a personal vehicle and burial expenses
• Some applicants may be able to “spend down” their income to qualify; if they participate in this program, their income limit changes to 80% of the FPG, or $810.

Alternative Care Program

Residents of Minnesota that need financial assistance for long-term care services but do not financially qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) may apply for Alternative Care (AC). Applicants with assets over the income limit (such as a house worth more than $500,000) must contribute a portion of their assets to pay for the costs of assisted living in a spend-down process. The AC program provides the same services as the Elderly Waiver, as well as services provided at home like a relative caregiver waiver and nutrition counseling. Applicants may receive up to 60 days of care while the application is processing.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for Alternative Care (AC), applicants must be above the age of 65 and not qualified for Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) program, despite the need for nursing home care. The applying senior may have more resources than traditionally allowed, but not more than what would fund 135 days of care in a nursing home.

The AC program is designed to help those elders who do not qualify for income-based programs, and are in the process of running out of money to fund their aging services. To qualify financially, an elder must have limited assets or a low monthly income. Assets can be no greater than $3,000 or the elder’s income must be less than $1,234 a month.

Those with incomes above $1,518 will still qualify for services, as long as their assets stay below $10,000- there will be a service fee, however, which amounts to 5-30% of the cost of AC services. Additionally, any elder who is currently barred from federal aging assistance services due to the transfer of a large sum of money within the previous five years will not qualify for this, or any federal medical assistance program for aging.

Housing Support Program

Low-income elders may qualify for the Housing Support program, previously the Group Housing Program, which helps pay for room and board in assisted living facilities. Payment amounts increase yearly; in 2017 up to $904 may be provided for room and board in a month. Participants of this program who aren’t eligible for the Elderly Waiver may also be able to receive supplementary payments up to $482.84 a month for extra care services they need. There is sometimes a waitlist for this program.

Who is Eligible?

Participants of the housing support program must be 65 or older and are bound to the same asset standards as Medicaid recipients, as listed above. Income cannot exceed $750 a month, or $1,125 if a married couple. The person applying must also need help with at least two health or supervisory services to qualify for a supplementary payment.

How to Apply

To apply, you’ll first need to request a long-term care consultation (LTCC). Find your local county health care office using the table below to contact and apply for medical assistance or housing support.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.

• Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Minnesota

There are many resources in Minnesota that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Minnesota provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Minnesota seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Minnesota seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Minnesota collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Minnesota seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Minnesota have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Legal Resources

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Minnesota seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Minnesota help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Minnesota help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they’re entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Minnesota resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Minnesota retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they’re in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Veteran’s Services

Minnesota retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they’re eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Minnesota

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living services may only be provided in a housing with services establishment. To be a resident of an establishment, a person needs to require help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) and one personal care service, or two ADLs.

Residents will need an assessment with an RN to complete their residency agreements, and a follow-up assessment every year to ensure their needs are always met.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

To qualify as a housing with services establishment, homes must provide each resident with either assistance with two (ADLs), or one ADL and one personal care service. ADLs are defined as:

• Bathing, grooming, and dressing
• Continence care
• Eating
• Positioning, transferring, walking, and using a wheelchair

Personal care services include:

• Instrumental ADLs, or IADLs, which include services that help a person plan and go about activities like shopping, bill paying, and medical appointments
• Observation and redirection of behavior as specified by their care plans
• Health-related tasks such as medication assistance, tracheostomy services, and management of seizure disorders

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Assisted living costs like medical services and supportive services qualify for payment from Minnesota’s Medicaid program, called Medical Assistance (MA). There is also the Housing Support program available for low-income seniors to help with rent, and services if they don’t qualify for the elderly waiver. The MA program waivers do not pay directly for room and board but do cover services such as:

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADLs
• Observation and redirection of challenging behaviors such as aggression
• Assistance with health-related tasks like taking medication or tracheotomy care

To qualify for Medical Assistance for long-term care, you or your loved one needs to require help with at least four ADLs daily.

Assisted Living Community Requirements

Housing with services establishments are tasked with providing housing and regularly scheduled personal care services to adults, 80% of which in the establishment must be age 55 or older. To be licensed as a housing with services establishment, the residency needs to provide for:

• Services in at least three of the ADL categories; bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring, continence care, and toileting
• Establishments must provide at least two meals daily and access to food 24-hours
• As well as weekly laundry and housekeeping services.
• Transportation to medical and social services appointments
• Opportunities for recreation and socialization
• Assistance with finding social services programs such as MA or senior centers
• Easy access to the Residents Bill of Rights, as well as any scenarios specific to that resident that might infringe upon any rights, such as a medical situation that is identified in the resident’s care plan

Assisted Living Service Agreements

In order to admit any resident into a housing facility, the facility must complete a housing with services contract, also called a service plan, with that resident. The plan outlines:

• Names and address of the housing establishment and anyone who provides services for, manages, or owns the establishment, as well as at least one person who can be served legal papers
• A statement of the license and registration status of the establishment
• Terms of the contract, including descriptions of all services that will be provided and what can be provided, the prices of those services, as well as the base rent
• The contact information for the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the process to file a complaint against the establishment
• Billing and payment procedures
• Residency requirements and the eviction process, as well as the referral process for when a contract is terminated
• A statement detailing other services the establishment could provide, third-party services the resident could use if they become needed, and public programs that he or she could use to pay for those services, as well as contact info to receive a long-term care consultation through the state
• Information about resident rights, like 24-hour access to food and the ability to furnish your own room

Elderly Waiver recipients must also create a co-ordinated service and support plan. This plan, which is due within 10 days of admission, outlines:

• Service needs
• Short and long-term goals to improve the resident’s health
• Costs and frequency of all services that are proposed in the plan

Medication Management Regulations

Establishments must provide 24-hour access to a registered nurse to provide medication assistance to every resident. If a resident is currently capable of managing their own medication, then they can, but everyone must have the option to request help from an RN at any time if they need it.

Minnesota Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Establishments must have at least one caregiver awake at all times, and the staff must always have access to an on-call registered nurse. The establishment does not have to provide any services that it does not feel prepared to provide but must provide access to service providers that can meet those needs for residents. The establishment manager is responsible for ensuring that there is always enough staff to provide the establishment’s services to all residents 24 hours a day.

Assisted Living Staff Training Requirements

The manager of the establishment needs to have at least 30 hours of continued education every two years year, in topics relevant to the care of the residents. The manager is responsible for ensuring that all staff are trained in the care of the residents, and to perform competency exams on direct care staff.

Some establishments may offer special units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In these establishments, managers must receive at least eight hours of dementia training initially and two more each year. Care staff who assist those with dementia must complete eight hours of dementia-specific training before working alone, and two hours of continued education a year. All other staff, such as maintenance, must receive at least four hours of training at orientation and two hours of continued education a year.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Background checks are required for all direct-care staff in an establishment. Fingerprinting may be considered if a person hasn’t lived in Minnesota long enough to establish a record.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

When a resident has a complaint against an assisted living establishment, they can contact the long-term care facility complaint line at (651) 201-4201 or 1-800- 369-7994, or click here to visit their website.

You can also call your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (651) 431-2555 or 1-800-657-3591, who will help the resident coordinate a solution with the facility and any outside agency that needs to be pulled in to mediate.

Healthcare workers are mandatory reporters and must file a complaint against any suspected or witnessed elder abuse. If you witness or suspect elder abuse, you can reach out to the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaints by phone at 844-880-1574 or click here to file a report online.

Minnesota COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

Sources: www.health.state.mn.us www.cdc.gov