This webpage will help Hawaii residents understand assisted living, home care, and adult day care costs on each island. It also discusses the payment options and financial assistance programs available to help in caring for the elderly, whether in residential care, in the community, or in the home.
The programs available here are comprehensive of what is available from the state of Hawaii. But it is not comprehensive of what is available from the rest of the continental United States. To find the program that is most suitable to your needs, it’s important to also search for nationwide assistance. You can easily do so by using our Resource Locator Tool.
Hawaii Eldercare Costs for 2023
Assisted Living / Memory Care
The average assisted living cost in per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, across the state of Hawaii is $5,375. In Honolulu, the monthly average price is the same as the state average. On the island of Maui, in the area of Kahului, less expensive senior living can be found at approximately $3,825 / month. Memory care (for persons with dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease) can increase the monthly costs by approximately 20% – 30%. This is due to the increased level of supervision and security that is required for these types of patients.
Home Care
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, home care services for the state of Hawaii, as well as Honolulu, average $30 / hour. However, the average hourly cost of home care is a little less expensive in Kahului ($27.75) than the statewide average. Home health care is another option, and is ideal for those who are in need of minimal medical assistance. The average cost for the state of Hawaii is approximately the same as for home care.
Adult Day Care
Contrary to home care in Hawaii, which is quite expensive, adult day care is much more affordable. Adult day care services, per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, cost an average of $75 / day. It can be as low as $65 / day for Kahului residents. Notably, for the same number of hours, adult day care costs well less than half of what in-home care costs.
Hawaii Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Unlike most states, elderly Hawaii residents do not have Medicaid Waiver options. Instead, the state has chosen to service the aging through a single Medicaid managed care program called Med-QUEST.
In addition to nursing home care, Med-Quest offers residents Medicaid funded care outside of nursing homes. These benefits may include adult day care, home health services, personal emergency response systems, adult foster care, assisted living, and more.
CCFFH is a program available through Med QUEST. The program provides Medicaid recipients a nursing home level of care outside of the nursing home environment.
Medicaid Eligibility
As of 2023, in order to qualify for Medicaid as a disabled or elderly person in Hawaii, one must be a resident at least 65 years of age, or under 65 and disabled. The monthly income limit is set at $1,398 for an individual, and the asset limit is $2,000. Certain assets are considered exempt, such as the individual’s home (up to $1,033,000 in equity), household appliances/furnishings, wedding/engagement rings, a primary vehicle, and a burial spot.
For married couples, the rules change depending on if there is one Medicaid applicant or two. For instance, if only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, a portion of the applicant’s spouse income may be transferred to the non-applicant spouse (the community spouse) as a maintenance needs allowance. Non-applicant spouses are also able to retain a higher level of assets in the form of a community spouse resource allowance. These rules are in place to prevent spousal impoverishment of community spouses.
Medicaid eligibility is complex, especially for married couples. It is recommended that persons unsure of their status consult with a professional in advance of applying.
Hawaii Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
The state of Hawaii offers four Non-Medicaid assistance programs. These programs provide financial assistance for housing or skilled services in order to keep the disabled and elderly residents of Hawaii from having to leave their homes and move to more costly nursing facilities. Click on the programs below to get more information on specific benefits and eligibility guidelines.
KC offers multiple in-home and community based benefits, such as adult day care, personal care, homemaker services, meal delivery, and transportation assistance.
Other Financial Options for Care
Many non-profit and federal options also exist that help pay for care, in addition to the Hawaii specific options that are listed here. Our Resource Locator Tool is invaluable in finding these programs that pay for, or reduce the burden of the cost of care, including loan options and benefits for veterans. Use our tool to find the program that best suits your needs.
Finding Affordable Care in Hawaii
Given that pricing can vary even within the same geographic region, there is good reason to contact multiple providers to find affordable care. Taking into account the difficulties of moving from island to island, one should consider home care services over assisted living or nursing home care in order to find a plan that may be more affordable.
To assist families with the process, our organization includes a free service that pairs an individual’s or family’s specific care needs with senior care providers in their price range and in their constrained geographic area. Click here for help in finding affordable care.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Hawaii
For more information about the costs and resources available in Hawaii cities, click on the link below.
Top Cities for Memory Care
Top Cities for Assisted Living
