The Silver State is great for seniors wanting to make their savings last. Seniors considering assisted living in Nevada can make their money stretch further because, at $3,750, the cost of assisted living is lower than the national average and most surrounding states. Plus, the state offers waivers to help defray some costs through its Medicaid program. Nevada is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There’s no state income tax and prescription drugs are exempt from sales taxes.

This page covers the cost of assisted living in the state and compares the average costs in nearby states and of other care types. It also provides an overview of financial assistance options, including assisted living waivers, and contact information for nonprofit and government agencies that offer free or low-cost resources for seniors in assisted living.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Nevada?

Nevada’s average cost of assisted living is $750 lower than the national average and less than most neighboring states per the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Of the five states touching Nevada, only Utah offers a lower average cost of assisted living at $3,500. While Idaho and Arizona have slightly higher costs than Nevada, they’re relatively close at $3,838 and $4,000 per month, respectively. Both states west of Nevada have significantly higher monthly averages, with Oregon’s cost of assisted living at $5,045 and California’s at $5,250.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nevada’s Top Cities

Assisted living costs in some of Nevada’s most popular cities are close to the state average. The average cost in Las Vegas is $100 less per month than the state average, while the average in Carson City is only slightly higher than the state average by $70 more per month. At $4,250 per month, the cost of assisted living in Reno is $500 higher than the state average. 

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care

Seniors seeking social, nutritional and health-related support in a non-residential group setting pay less for adult day health care at $1,788 per month compared to the average cost of $3,750 for assisted living. Older adults hoping to age in place and receive care in their own homes pay substantially more. Homemaker services and home health aide care both average $5,148 per month in Nevada. Seniors needing extensive daily attention may require a nursing home facility, which has the highest cost in Nevada at an average of $9,216 per month. 

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

Medicaid indirectly helps individuals pay for assisted living through three waiver programs. Aging adults who qualify for these programs may receive enhanced Medicaid benefits that cover various services, including those offered in assisted living communities. These programs limit the number of participants and serve seniors who meet income and asset limits in addition to other criteria.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Nevada

Nevada Medicaid’s waivers offer long-term care benefits to help prevent or delay the need for nursing home care. Medicaid waivers are usually part of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and not entitlement programs, meaning not everyone who qualifies will automatically receive assistance. Approved participants may be placed on a waiting list when the program fills up.

Services covered by these waivers include personal care, case management and companion services. Depending on the waiver, services may be provided in the participant’s home, in adult day care, and in assisted living facilities.

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Nevada

Seniors in Nevada may apply for any of three waivers financed through the state’s Medicaid program. The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) administers the Assisted Living Waiver and the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy administers the Waiver for the Frail Elderly and the Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities. All three may benefit seniors in assisted living facilities. Waiver recipients must have an identified need for a service provided under a specific waiver and meet all eligibility criteria.

Waiver	Coverage/Eligibility	How to Apply
Assisted Living Waiver	What’s Covered: Assisted living supportive services in a residential facility, augmented personal care services  provided in residential care settings and case management. Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 65 or older, at risk of institutionalization without services, financially eligible and must meet housing eligibility at an assisted living facility that receives a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.	Contact the closest Aging and Disability Services Division office or call the ADSD Administrative Office at (775) 687-4210
Waiver for the Frail Elderly	What’s Covered: Adult residential care, augmented personal care in a residential care setting, case management, homemaker services, chore services, respite, personal emergency response systems, adult day care services and adult companion services. Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 65 or older, require a nursing facility level of care and meet income and asset criteria.	Contact the closest Aging and Disability Services Division  office or call the ADSD Administrative Office at (775) 687-4210
Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities	What’s Covered:  Assisted residential care, case management, personal care services, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite and chore services. Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18 or older, diagnosed with a severe physical disability, at risk of institutionalization without services and financially eligible.	Fill out a CBC Program Application and submit it to the closest Aging and Disability Services Division

Eligibility for Medicaid in Nevada

The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) determines eligibility for Medicaid-related programs in Nevada. Medicaid income limits for single applicants and one applicant in a two-person household are up to $30,276. The limit doubles when both people in a two-person household apply. Asset limits are $2,000 per person.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nevada

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$30,276	$2,000
Two-Person Household (Only One Applying)	$30,276	$2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Both Applying)	$60,552	$4,000

*Per year

To be eligible for Medicaid in Nevada, applicants must also: 

• Be a resident of the state of Nevada
• Be a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
• Need health care/insurance assistance
  
  
• Be aged 65 or older, or aged 18 or older for the Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Applying for Medicaid in Nevada

The quickest way to apply for Medicaid in Nevada is online through the Access Nevada portal. Seniors can also apply for regular Medicaid by filling out a paper application and mailing it to DWSS, PO Box 15400, Las Vegas, NV 89114. Seniors can contact their local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services District Office where caseworkers help them complete their applications. Caseworkers also evaluate their financial eligibility for various programs. Seniors can call 1-800-992-0900 to find a location near them. 

Before You Apply

Seniors applying for Medicaid in Nevada should be aware that the state has a 60-month Medicaid Look-Back Period covering the five years immediately preceding their Medicaid application date. If an applicant sold or transferred assets under fair market value during this period to make them eligible for Medicaid, there will be a penalty period in which they’re not eligible for Medicaid.

When applying for Medicaid in Nevada, applicants need: 

• Social Security Numbers for everyone applying
• Financial account statements
• Income verification letters or tax forms
• Documentation from the Social Security Administration showing gross Social Security income and deductions
• Proof of health insurance coverage and costs

Where to Go to Get Help

Nevada seniors have several sources of help applying for Medicaid, including numerous free resources. Seniors can get help filling out the Medicaid application or with questions about their options for covering long-term care. 

Resource	Contact	Description
Aging and Disability Services Division	(775) 687-4210	ADSD has four regional offices, including the administrative office in Carson City and offices in Elko, Las Vegas and Reno. Each office has personnel ready to assist seniors needing an Assisted Living Waiver. They also offer numerous programs for seniors and representatives help seniors complete Medicaid applications.
Nevada 211	2-1-1 or (866) 535-5654	Nevada 211 is a free service that provides information about health and human service programs available throughout the state, including various senior services. Professionals are available 24/7 to assist with finding local services.
Nevada Care Planning Council (NvCPC)	(800) 989-8137	NvCPC compiles a comprehensive list of providers that help individuals and families deal with the challenges of long-term care. It provides an array of eldercare services from government and private entities in Nevada.

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

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

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

	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 Nevada

Seniors in Nevada can access supportive programs that help them continue living as independently as possible, even when part of an assisted living community. Organizations throughout Nevada offer free or low-cost resources that help seniors connect with a range of services. Many help seniors navigate long-term care options and remain active in their communities while avoiding higher levels of institutionalized care.

Resource	Contact	Description
Nevada Care Connection	Email: [email protected]	Nevada Care Connection works with older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers to explore services, resources and programs to support aging adults and disabled individuals. Its goal is to help them make informed decisions and connect to the services they need.
RLC Veterans Assistance	(702) 473-0410	RLC Veteran’s Assistance helps veterans secure benefits for themselves and their families. It assists them with obtaining VA Disability Financial Awards and the many other benefits they’ve earned. RLC’s main office is in Las Vegas, but it serves the Reno and Carson City areas and all counties in Northern Nevada.
Southern Nevada Senior Law Program (SNSLP)	(702) 229-6596	SNSLP is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to seniors in Southern Nevada aged 60 or older. Legal services include health care directives, estate planning, probate, housing, elder law rights, consumer assistance, government benefits and public entitlements. There aren’t any income restrictions for receiving free legal assistance.
Nevada State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)	(888) 282-1155	LTC Ombudsmen investigate complaints for residents of LTC facilities. They attempt to address residents’ concerns and resolve complaints to their satisfaction. Ombudsmen also educate residents, facility staff and families on issues related to long-term care, aging and resident rights. LTC residents can access this service for free.
Adult Protective Services (APS)	(888) 729-0571	APS investigates reports of abuse, exploitation, neglect, isolation, abandonment and self-neglect for seniors aged 60 or older and vulnerable adults aged 18 to 59. It evaluates situations and makes arrangements and referrals for other services.
Senior Centers	Varies by location	The ADSD provides a comprehensive list of senior centers by county located throughout Nevada. Senior centers are an ideal source of information and activities meant to keep aging adults active, entertained and socializing with their peers. Many centers operate benefits enrollment centers, have Medicaid and Medicare advisors on hand and help seniors aged 60 or older with questions or concerns about various services.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Nevada

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including nvhealthresponse.nv.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 2/10/2022, 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 Nevada

The Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) licenses assisted living facilities, also called residential facilities for groups (RFG), in Nevada. HCQC also investigates complaints against these and other health facilities statewide. RFGs must apply for an endorsement on their licenses before they can claim to offer assisted living services.