How to Find Medicaid Rates for Assisted Living

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Trying to figure out what Medicaid pays for assisted living in your state? You’re not alone!

The process can feel confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to search for Medicaid rates (also called fee schedules), what terms to use, and how to avoid outdated info.

Let’s break it down step by step. 🛠️

Check out this video, too:

Why This Matters

If you're planning to launch an assisted living business, knowing what Medicaid pays is a big deal. It helps you:
✅ Set your pricing
✅ Know if Medicaid is a good fit for your model
✅ Decide if it makes sense to serve a Medicaid population in your state

Step 1: Search for the Right Thing

Most people start by looking for general Medicaid rates, but that usually leads to confusing answers or thinking your state doesn't have Medicaid.

Here’s a better approach:
🧠 Use keywords like Medicaid fee schedule, provider rates, or HCBS waiver rates along with your state name.

This will help you land on the official government pages that have the actual numbers.

💡 You can also include terms like long-term care, residential care, or assisted living facility depending on your state’s terminology.

Step 2: Understand What Assisted Living is Called in Your State

Many states use a different term for assisted living.

🗂️ Common Terms You Might See:
✅ HCBS – Home and Community Based Services
✅ Alternative Care Facility
✅ Residential Care Facility
✅ Adult Foster Home

If you don’t see the phrase "assisted living" on your state’s website, it might be listed under one of these other names.

Step 3: Stick to .GOV Websites Only

You want to use official Medicaid sites from your state, not third-party blogs or articles.

✅ Look for URLs like:

colorado.gov

dhhs.[state].gov

medicaid.[state].gov

🚫 Skip anything that doesn’t point directly to a government resource.

Step 4: Know What You’re Looking At

Once you open the fee schedule, it might look like a giant spreadsheet. That’s okay!

📌 Tips to Make Sense of It:
✅ Look for your service type (like ACF, RCF, or HCBS)
✅ Pay attention to the column labeled “unit rate” or “per day”
✅ Don’t assume every number applies to assisted living—read each rate carefully

Sometimes it says levels 1–4. That could mean resident care levels or facility licensing levels depending on the state. If it feels confusing, don’t guess—reach out to the state to get help.

Step 5: Ask for Help (You’re Not Alone!)

Let’s be honest—this stuff can be frustrating. That’s why we created ALI Basics, our private membership community.

💬 Inside, you’ll get:
✅ Access to webinar recordings
✅ Weekly startup tips
✅ Live Q&A sessions
✅ A place to ask questions and share screenshots

You can upload a screenshot of what you’re looking at and get guidance on how to interpret it.

Next Steps: Take Action Today!

🚀 Want to launch your assisted living business in the next 12 months?

✅ Step 1: Download the Business Plan Checklist
✅ Step 2: Apply to the Assisted Living Investing Mastermind for expert coaching.
✅ Step 3: Follow this guide, take action, and bring your vision to life!

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