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Nestled between the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain, the city of Williamsport is the seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Nearly 28,000 people call the city home, and 13.4% are older adults aged 65 and over. With a cost of living that’s substantially lower than most in-state cities, the community is ideal for retirees who want to stretch their savings. Health care alone is 9% lower than in the rest of the country. Rich in heritage, Williamsport has many places of interest for seniors, including the Community Arts Center where exhibits and events are put together several times a year.
Williamsport is home to 13 assisted living facilities, and there are seven others in the neighboring areas. Seniors pay around $3,700 each month for their residential care. Median costs in the area are below both the state and national averages.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, rates for assisted living in Williamsport are $3,700 per month on average. The city’s costs are $255 under the state median and well below the national average of $4,300. Assisted living rates in Williamsport are much more affordable than in the surrounding states of New York ($4,800), New Jersey ($6,650), Maryland ($5,000) and Ohio ($4,350).
Assisted living in Williamsport is significantly more expensive than in Scranton where rates are $2,450 per month. Rates in the city are slightly higher than in areas such as Bloomsburg ($3,570) and Pittsburgh ($3,550). Cities like northeastern Erie ($4,315) and southeastern Reading ($3,950) and York ($4,260) are more costly than Williamsport. The highest assisted living costs in Pennsylvania are in State College and Philadelphia where the corresponding medians of $5,340 and $5,550 are at least $1,600 higher than in Williamsport.
The state’s version of Medicaid, Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, offers a couple of options to help low-income individuals pay for their long-term care. This includes assisted living when it’s recommended by a doctor. Seniors can check their eligibility for the Aging Waiver and Medical Assistance and Payment of Long Term Care Services and apply for benefits on the state’s COMPASS website.
For more details about these state waivers, see our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.
| Contact | Description | |
| South Williamsport Riverwalk Senior Center | (570) 601-9592 | The STEP Office of Aging manages the local senior center. The center has a calendar full of events and activities for older patrons. Seniors aged 60 and above can take part in health promotion classes, such as tai chi, Healthy Steps in Motion and Zumba Gold. Participants can also attend art classes and seasonal events. |
| Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (717) 783-8975 | Seniors who reside in assisted living communities can contact the ombudsman to report complaints and concerns. Volunteers with the program help residents understand their rights under federal and state laws. This advocacy service can investigate and resolve conflicts between residents and the facilities they live in. |
| Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources | (800) 753-8827 | This helpline is a statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center. Seniors can dial in for referrals and information on local services. Callers can get assistance with identifying programs in the area and help determine what public benefits they’re eligible for. |
| Lycoming County Office of Veterans Affairs | (570) 327-2365 | Older adults who served in the U.S. Armed Forces can get assistance from the county’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Representatives can help seniors prepare and submit claims for pensions and compensation. Applicants can get information on the benefits they’re entitled to, including military health care and medical prescriptions. |
| North Penn Legal Services | (877) 953-4250 | North Penn Legal Services provides free advice and limited representation to low-income individuals in northern Pennsylvania. Seniors can apply for help on civil matters. When appropriate, the agency can also arrange referrals to other free and low-cost legal aid nonprofits. |
| Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight | (800) 783-7067 | PA MEDI is a statewide program offering free and impartial Medicare counseling to seniors. Trained counselors can assist older adults in understanding and making informed decisions on Medicare enrollment, long-term care policies and services covered under parts A, B, C and D of Medicare. |
Assisted living facilities and residential care units in Williamsport must follow a robust set of rules to receive and maintain their operating license from the state’s Department of Human Services. For more information on state laws, visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.
