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Cedar Rapids is a growing city — with a population that’s growing 50% faster than average for the state — and it’s the younger demographics that are responsible for that growth. The city is known for art and culture, as well as several large museums presenting history from around the world. Brucemore, a grand estate and gardens, is a popular attraction and community center.
The generally low cost of living makes the city an affordable choice for many seniors and families alike. Housing costs are substantially cheaper than the national average, but seniors in Cedar Rapids still pay more than usual for health care. The city’s Health Cost Index shows an increase of 17% over nationwide health care costs.There are fewer assisted living facilities than usual for a city of this size, although the average cost is relatively low. Seniors in assisted living across Cedar Rapids pay an average of $4,020 per month, which is just slightly below the norm for Iowa and the U.S. overall. Most regional alternatives are not as affordable.
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 >
Assisted living facilities in Cedar Rapids share a very similar average cost with the state and the nation as a whole — less than $60 separates their monthly costs — although the difference can become quite substantial at the regional level. Iowa’s average of $4,078 per month is lower than Wisconsin’s and just below Illinois. Missouri is the most affordable, presenting roughly $1,200 per month in savings.
In relation to nearby alternatives, Cedar Rapids performs well again. The closest area included in the survey, Iowa City, has increased costs of over 10% in assisted living and Waterloo is more expensive by almost 15%. Ames is the only surveyed city with a lower cost, which is approximately 10% more affordable than Cedar Rapids.
Seniors who have few resources and a low income may be eligible for Iowa Medicaid and IA Health Link program, which covers the cost of care in Medicaid-funded facilities. Iowa residents who receive federal SSI benefits may also be eligible for the State Supplementary Assistance program, which can be used to pay for some medical and personal care in Medicaid-funded assisted living facilities.
View the details and learn more about applying on our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging | (800) 332-5934 | Heritage is the local AAA for seniors in Cedar Rapids. These agencies are funded by the state as part of the Older Americans Act to provide direct services, information and referrals to the aging population and others. Seniors and caregivers can ask about long-term care facilities and insurance, health care and finances or take part in wellness and nutrition programs. Heritage is also the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for the area. |
| Linn County Veterans Affairs | (319) 892-5160 | The Linn County government serves the veteran population of Cedar Rapids with counseling, information and access to financial assistance. County Veteran Service Officers are experts on many issues affecting veterans and seniors in particular and can help in applying for the Aid and Attendance benefit as well as others that can be used to cover care costs in assisted living programs. |
| Linn County Department of Human Services | (319) 892-6700 | The county DHS office in Cedar Rapids can help residents apply for Medicaid and its waiver program for Home and Community Based Services. If eligible for the waiver, the state Medicaid program pays for care received in participating assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid funding. Staff members can also help with health care concerns and older adult welfare issues or complaints. |
| Cedar Rapids Social Security Office | (866) 495-0088 | Seniors and people with disabilities can apply for various federal and state benefits at the local Social Security office in Cedar Rapids or via mail and phone options. This is the application point for the State Supplementary Assistance program, as detailed in the financial assistance section, and also the federal SSI payments. |
| Legal Assistance for Seniors 60+ | (800) 992-8161 | Iowa Legal Aid is based in Cedar Rapids and operates this hotline for residents aged 60+ who need help with civil (non-criminal) legal matters. The free services available to eligible residents include disputes with Medicaid, Medicare or individual health care facilities, as well as long-term care communities, and various financial issues such as tax and benefits. Staff may be able to assist residents in securing state and federal benefits to cover the cost of care in assisted living if they have been wrongfully denied access. |
In Iowa, assisted living facilities are officially referred to as assisted living programs (ALP) and are regulated by the Health Facilities Division of Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals. Visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page for more specific regulatory information.