This webpage is intended to assist Iowa residents in understanding the costs associated with long-term elderly care. Average costs for assisted living, home care and home health care, and adult day care throughout the state and various geographic locations will be explored. Financial assistance programs and programs providing senior care and services, whether it be in the home or in an assisted living facility, will also be covered.
While the programs outlined on this page are comprehensive of what the state of Iowa has to offer, it is not comprehensive of what is available nationally. In order to find the best care for your needs and budget, it is important to consider all of your options. To assist in your search for nationwide assistance, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool.
Iowa Eldercare Costs for 2024
[cocc]Assisted Living / Memory Care
According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey , the average statewide cost of assisted living in Iowa is $5,200 / month. The most affordable assisted living can be found in Waterloo at $4,163 / month. In the areas of Iowa City, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City, the average monthly cost of assisted living is similar to the statewide average at $4,770 - $5,249. The areas of the state where assisted living is the costliest are Des Moines ($6,713 / month) and Dubuque ($9,420 / month).
For seniors who need a higher level of supervision and assistance due to Alzheimer’s or a related condition, Memory Care assisted living is available at an additional $1,040 to $2,355 / month. It is estimated the added cost is 20% to 30% greater than is the cost of traditional assisted living.
Home Care
According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average hourly cost of non-medical home care statewide in Iowa is $38. However, costs can vary based on one’s geographic location within the state, currently ranging from $25 to $40 / hour. In Dubuque and Ames, the average rate is $25 / hour. The highest cost of care can be found in Iowa City, at $40.
Home health care, provided by health care professionals, is also available in Iowa. The statewide average for this type of in-home care costs the same per hour as home care, at $38. However, depending on your location within the state, the cost ranges from $28 to $40 per hour.
Adult Day Care
In Iowa, Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey shows that the most affordable mode of care is adult day care, with the average daily cost throughout the state being $124 / day. This rate can vary significantly depending on one’s geographic location within Iowa.
Waterloo has the most inexpensive adult day care with a daily average of $58. That said, the following areas all have average daily rates between $67 and $70: Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Ames.
Iowa Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid Background
Medicaid is a nationwide program that offers health insurance to low-income residents of the United States. While the federal government sets the parameters of this program, each state can operate its program as they see fit within the given parameters. In Iowa, like each of the other states, Medicaid will cover the cost of nursing home care, in addition to limited home and community based services.
Medicaid in Iowa also offers Medicaid Waivers, intended to provide long-term care for those who are elderly and / or disabled. These waivers are meant to provide these individuals support and services to assist them in aging in their homes and communities, rather than be placed in nursing homes. Please note: Medicaid waivers are not entitlement programs. This means there is limited capacity for participants, and once the enrollment cap is met, there will be a waitlist for services.
Medicaid Waivers
Home and Community Based Services Elderly Waiver
The Home and Community Based Services Elderly Waiver provides in-home care and support for Iowa residents who require care equivalent to that which is provided in a nursing home. This program allows for consumer direction, meaning eligible applicants are able to choose which services best benefit them and who to hire, including some family members. Other benefits may include attendant care, home health aide, nursing care, chore services, and home and vehicle modifications.
Health and Disability Waiver
The Health and Disability Waiver is intended for physically disabled individuals under the age of 65. Those enrolled in this program are able to choose their own attendant care worker, regardless of whether they live at home or in an assisted living facility or an adult foster care home. Other benefits of this program include adult day care, homemaker services, meal delivery, personal emergency response systems, and nutritional counseling.
Medicaid Eligibility
An individual’s functional ability, income, and assets are all taken into consideration when applying for long-term care Medicaid in Iowa. To be financially eligible in 2024, Iowa residents must have a monthly income that does not exceed $2,829. This amount is equivalent to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). A single applicant’s assets cannot be greater than $2,000. But it does exclude certain items, such as an individual’s home, if one’s equity interest is not over $715,000, and the applicant, or their spouse, lives in the home. Household items and personal effects are also exempt.
If income and assets are over the allowable amounts, this does not automatically call for Medicaid disqualification. For instance, if a married applicant’s spouse is not also applying for long term care Medicaid, a certain portion of the applicant’s income and joint assets can be given to the non-applicant (community) spouse. These rules are in place to prevent spousal impoverishment, but also effectively lower an applicant’s income and assets for qualification purposes. As of 2024, up to $3,853.50 a month in income can be transferred to the community spouse, and up to $154,140 in assets can be retained by the non-applicant spouse. However, it is highly suggested one seek assistance from a Medicaid Planning Professional prior to applying for Medicaid in order to reallocate income and assets. Learn more.
Iowa Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
Able Up Iowa
The Able Up Iowa loan program provides low interest loans to elderly and disabled individuals so they can buy assistive technology or make modifications to their home, improving their independence. Eligible purchases and projects include motorized wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, and walk-in bathtubs. One must have the resources to be able to repay the loan.
PACE Programs in Iowa
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
PACE members in Iowa have access to a range of care and support services, including primary care, physical therapy, social services, nutrition counseling, transportation and occupational therapy. To qualify for PACE in Iowa, an applicant must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
- 55 years of age or older
- Meet Iowa's requirements for nursing facility level of care
- Reside in a county that's within the service area of the PACE organization
- At the time of enrollment, the applicant must be able to live in a community setting without jeopardizing their health or safety
How To Get Started with PACE in Iowa
To learn more about eligibility, included services and sign-up procedure for Iowa's PACE programs, visit the state’s Medicaid website or reach out to the below PACE provider.
|
PACE Provider |
Contact |
Areas Served |
|
(712) 224-7223 |
Woodbury, Plymouth, Cherokee and Monona counties |
|
|
(712) 227-6440 |
Harrison, Pottawattamie and Mills counties |
|
|
(515) 512-4908 |
Boone, Marshall, Marion, Jasper, Dallas, Madison, Story, Polk and Warren counties |
Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Iowa, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool.
This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.
Finding Affordable Care in Iowa
As determined by the numbers above, the cost of senior care can vary a great deal across the state of Iowa, particularly when it comes to assisted living and home care. The best way to manage the cost of care is to appropriately assess needs and then opt for a high quality provider at an affordable rate.
To aid in this search, our organization has partnered with several organizations that maintain large databases of care providers. Via this free service, care needs are matched with qualified providers within the preferred geographic location, while also taking budget into account. Click here to find affordable care.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Iowa
For more information about the costs and resources available in Pennsylvania cities, click on the links below.