Guide to Independent Living in Maryland

Maryland is a good choice for seniors who like four seasons and relatively mild climates. Almost 16% of its 6.1 million residents are aged 65 and older, which, although slightly below-average, is still a significant portion of the population. They benefit from not paying tax on their Social Security benefits and their loved ones don’t pay inheritance tax on the wealth they bequeath them. The Retirement Tax Reduction Act 2020 also means seniors aren’t taxed on the first $50,000 they earn annually, freeing up more of their money for other purposes.

An independent living community is suitable for reasonably healthy seniors looking for homes designed around the needs of older adults, such as smaller rooms they can quickly clean. A typical community will also have a clubhouse where residents can participate in leisure pursuits with their neighbors, such as fitness classes and popular games, including bingo. Many communities have swimming pools and tennis courts, and a few of the more exclusive ones have golf courses.

This guide reviews independent living fees in and around Maryland and the costs of other types of senior care. It also lists some useful resources for older citizens.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Maryland?

Note:There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Although Maryland’s median fee of $3,185 for independent living is $260 more per month than the national average, the state is still one of the most affordable in the region. Only West Virginians and Pennsylvanians expect to pay less, at $2,704 and $2,665, respectively. The other states bordering Maryland typically cost more, such as Virginia, at $3,413, and Delaware, at $3,897. Washington, D.C. is also more costly, with the average senior paying $3,866 per month.

The Cost of Independent Living in Maryland’s Top Cities

Baltimore’s status as Maryland’s largest city may account for its independent living fees being among the most affordable in the state at $3,088 because of increased competition. Only Hagerstown is less costly, with its typical seniors saving $78 per month when compared to their peers in the larger city. The most expensive locations in Maryland are Salisbury, where the average is $3,237, and Cumberland, at $3,411.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

At $3,185 per month, independent living costs in Maryland are competitive when compared to other types of residential senior care. An assisted living facility is likely to charge an additional $1,715 per month for its services, while a nursing home commonly costs $7,157 more for its most affordable option, a semiprivate room. Seniors who need help to continue living at home can expect to pay $5,148 per month for homemaker services in addition to the expenses they already have. This is also true of home health aide services, although seniors who can attend an adult day care center can get regular support for around $1,928 per month.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Maryland?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Maryland to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Maryland

Monthly fees for independent living can be beyond the means of many seniors and not all will have enough savings to cover the unknown period of time they’ll be residing in their communities. However, there are other options, such as life insurance and long-term care insurance, both of which can cover limited and unlimited periods, depending on the type of policy. Homeowners can release equity on their homes through reverse mortgages and those financially able to make a lump-sum payment or regular installments to an insurance provider can benefit from annuities that could cover independent living costs.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Maryland

There are many free resources available to seniors in Maryland. Those listed here can help veterans get much-needed benefits and help all older residents access advisors who can assist with filing taxes and resolving legal problems.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Maryland Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from coronavirus.maryland.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/8/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents