Known for its picturesque landscapes and numerous national parks, Utah has plenty to offer retirees. From its abundance of outdoor recreation to its low crime rates, world-class health care facilities and vibrant city centers, seniors can enjoy a high quality of life. There are currently more than 3.3 million people living in the state, of whom 11.4% are seniors aged 65 and older.

While the average cost of living is slightly higher than in the average U.S. state, health care is considered quite affordable, as are the costs of receiving long-term care at assisted living facilities. These communities provide personalized daily assistance and health care services and cost an average of $3,500 per month, which is $1,000 less than the U.S. national average.

This guide provides information about assisted living care in Utah, including how long-term care costs compare to other nearby states, what options seniors have for health care coverage and where Utahns can go to access local, regional and statewide resources and support services.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Utah?

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Utah is $3,500. This means seniors can save an average of $1,000 per month on long-term care services compared to the average U.S. city. Utah is also an affordable option compared to nearby states. To the west, assisted living costs around $250 more per month in Nevada. Costs are also higher in Idaho and Wyoming, which cost an average of $3,838 and $4,169 per month, respectively. The most expensive nearby option is Colorado, where seniors can expect to pay roughly $1,250 more per month for assisted living.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Utah’s Top Cities

There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of assisted living, including location. Therefore, costs often vary from city to city within a state. In Utah, the most affordable cities for long-term care are Salt Lake City and Logan, which both cost around $3,300 per month. At $3,500, costs in St. George directly reflect the statewide average. Seniors will likely pay the highest rates for assisted living services in the Ogden and Provo areas. Average costs in these cities are $3,663 and $3,695, respectively.

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care

Additional care options are available to Utah seniors depending on the level of support they require on a daily basis. At $1,939 per month, adult day care is the most affordable option for seniors who require limited assistance and supervision. Those who wish to age in place at home have the option of homemaker services (non-medical) or a home health aide (medical), which cost $5,625 and $5,720 per month, respectively. More extensive care is available at nursing home facilities. As these communities provide 24-hour supervision and specialized health care services, they are also the most expensive option, costing $7,178 for a semiprivate room.

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

Utah’s State Medicaid Plan does not directly pay for assisted living services; however, seniors do have access to benefits through its New Choices Waiver program. This waiver program is specifically for residents receiving long-term care services in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, small health care facilities or other state-licensed medical institutions. Seniors who require assistive care may also qualify for certain services under Medicaid’s Aging Waiver program.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Utah

Under Utah Medicaid’s New Choices Waiver program, eligible seniors can receive home and community-based services in less restrictive settings. One of its primary focuses is helping seniors transition from nursing home facilities to assisted living facilities or other community-based environments. The program provides funding to cover the upfront costs of these transitions along with additional support services such as case management, attendant care, respite care and emergency response systems.

The Aging Waiver provides additional services that allow aging Utahns to live as independently as possible at home or in community-based settings. Benefits are administered on an individual basis based on their assessed needs.

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Utah

New Choices Waiver

The New Choices Waiver program provides assistance to individuals who require a nursing home level of care but prefer to reside in less institutionalized settings, including assisted living facilities. A range of benefits and services are included in this program to reduce the amount seniors and their families have to pay out of pocket for long-term care. If seniors are currently residing in a nursing home facility, the program will cover any upfront costs incurred in the transition to an alternative facility. Additional services covered under this waiver program include adult day health care, emergency response systems, specialized medical equipment, case management and respite care.

To qualify for this program, applicants must:

• Be at least 65 years old
• Be a permanent resident of Utah
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a monthly income of no more than $2,523
• Have no more than $2,000 in countable assets
• Have lived in a nursing home for a minimum of 90 days prior to application,
• Or at least 365 days in an assisted living facility

Program participation is limited and is split into reserved and non-reserved slots. Reserved slots are held for seniors who have lived in a nursing home. These individuals may apply at any time. Non-reserved slots are open to individuals in assisted living environments who may apply during the following application periods:

• March 1-March 14
• July 1-July 14
• November 1-November 14 

In all cases, priority is given to seniors who have been in nursing homes for the greatest length of time.

Seniors who meet the above criteria can apply by calling (800) 662-9651 to request an application form. Completed applications can be submitted to the UDOH Bureau of Long Term Services and Supports either by fax at (801) 323-1586 or by mail at P.O. Box 143112, 288 North 1460 West, SLC, UT 84114-3112.

Aging Waiver

The Aging Waiver applies to seniors who demonstrate a medical need for institutional care but prefer to remain living at home or in a community-based setting. The program covers services that may not be readily available to seniors through other Medicaid programs. These may include adult companion services, fiscal management services, medication reminder systems, non-medical transportation and personal attendant services. This waiver program is open to Medicaid participants who are 65 years of age or older.

To apply, seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to begin the referral process. The organization will then provide a case manager to conduct an evaluation of the proposed applicant to assess their level of need and determine if the program is right for them.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Utah

To qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits, individuals must meet certain requirements. Regarding personal finances, seniors applying alone can have a maximum monthly income of $2,147 and no more than $2,000 in countable assets. If applying with a spouse, the couple can have a combined monthly income of up to $$2,903 and a maximum total of $3,000 in assets. Some assets, such as household effects and a single vehicle do not count toward this total. Individuals who exceed these limits may still be eligible for benefits through a spending down income plan.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Utah

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$25,764	$2,000
Two-Person Household (Only One Person Applying)	$25,764	$2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Both People Applying)	$34,836	$3,000

*per year

As per additional requirements, applicants must:

• Be 65 years of age or older, blind or have a permanent disability
• Be a resident of Utah
• Be a U.S. national, permanent resident or legal alien
• Meet the current income and asset limits

Applying for Medicaid in Utah

To apply for Medicaid, seniors have several options. Seniors can apply online by visiting myCase, or if they prefer, they can download the application and submit a paper copy to their local Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office. Seniors may also apply with DWS over the phone or fill out a paper application form in person. Questions and concerns should be directed to DWS at (866) 435-7414.

Before You Apply:

After submitting an application, seniors will be contacted by their local DWS office. They should have the following information and/or corresponding documents ready:

• Full legal name
• Birth certificate
• Social Security number
• Proof of all forms of income
• Proof of assets
• Current health insurance policy numbers
• Proof of state residency 

Where to Go to Get Help

If seniors have questions about Medicaid, need help applying for benefits or need additional information about the policies they’re eligible for, they can reach out to one of the following resources:

Resource	Contact	Service
Utah Medicaid Health Program Representatives (HPRs)	(866) 608-9422	Part of the Utah Department of Health Medicaid, Health Program Representatives (HPRs) offer educational programs to help seniors understand their Medicaid benefits. In some counties, seniors may have to choose their own health plan, while in others, HPRs will help them select the plan that best suits their needs.
Take Care Utah	2-1-1	An initiative of the Utah Health Policy Project, Take Care Utah is a collective of nonprofit organizations aimed at helping Utahns access health insurance programs, including Medicaid. Seniors can provide their zip code and be connected to enrollment specialists in their local area who can guide them through the application process. All services are offered free of charge.
Utah Legal Services	(801) 328-8891 (within Salt Lake County) or toll-free at (800) 662-4245	Utah Legal Services offers free legal information and assistance for low-income Utahns. This includes helping seniors understand what medical programs are available to them and how they can apply.

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

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Utah. 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 Utah?

	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 Utah

There are a variety of resources in Utah to support seniors’ long-term care needs. These range from informational resources to agencies that provide care coordination, health care referrals and benefits counseling. Many of these services are offered by government-sponsored agencies and nonprofit organizations and are available at little to no cost.

Resource	Contact	Service
Utah Commission on Aging	(801) 213-4156	The Utah Commission on Aging works with state agencies and local organizations to ensure seniors and their families have access to the resources they need to navigate healthy aging, including community-based services, financial security, caregiver support, legal issues and senior housing. The organization also sponsors UtahAging.org — the state’s official virtual resource center. Here, seniors can learn about Utah’s aging services and connect with their local Area Agency on Aging, where they can find free statewide, regional and local programs in their area.
Aging & Adult Services	(801) 538-4171	A division of the Utah Department of Human Services, Aging & Adult Services acts as a link between the national Administration on Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging. It’s responsible for establishing and monitoring programs to serve Utah’s senior population, including home and community-based services, legal support, Medicare assistance and health and wellness programs. The division also oversees the state’s Adult Protective Services program, which investigates situations of elder abuse and neglect.
Utah Eldercare Planning Council  (UEPC)	(800) 989-8137	The Utah Eldercare Planning Council offers a comprehensive listing of long-term care services and local support agencies available in communities across Utah. This includes a range of medical, personal and social services such as care management, elder law, Medicaid assistance, financial counseling and information on VA benefits. UEPC also offers a range of informational articles and books that can help seniors and their families make informed decisions about long-term care options.
Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs (UDVMA)	(801) 326-2372	Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs provides a range of support services for veterans living in Utah and their family members. This includes providing assistance with accessing benefits such as health care coverage, disability compensation, pensions and Aid and Attendance payments. The department also offers legal assistance, support groups and long-term care homes.
Cover to Cover (C2C)	Online	Cover to Cover is a collaborative effort between the Utah Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Veterans Health Administration – Office of Rural Health. Its goal is to provide veterans with detailed information, guidance, counseling and advocacy in regards to the benefits they and their dependents may be entitled to. There are seven C2C locations across the state.
The University of Utah Center on Aging	(801) 213-4156	Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah Center on Aging conducts a wide range of research projects, educational programs and clinical studies aimed at improving the lives of Utah’s aging populations. It also serves as a resource to connect seniors with a number of affiliated programs, such as VA assistance, age-friendly health programs and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) initiative.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Utah

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.utah.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 2/15/2022, 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
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 Utah

The Utah Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Facility Licensing, Certification and Resident Assessment licenses both Level I and Level II assisted living facilities, which are categorized according to the level of care they provide. Licenses are issued for a 2-year period, and the department conducts inspections as needed to ensure facilities are compliant with federal and state regulations.