Page Reviewed / Updated - March 8, 2023

This webpage will assist Oklahoma residents in becoming familiar with the costs of elder care options throughout the state. This includes assisted living, home care, and adult day care. Payment options and programs to reduce the cost of long-term care in the home and in the community will also be covered.

The programs outlined on this page include all of the programs that are available from the state of Oklahoma. However, there are also national programs that provide assistance, but are not included on this webpage. An important part of seeking elder care is to consider all of your options in order to find the most appropriate program for the given needs and situation. To assist in your search for nationwide assistance, please use our Resource Locator Tool at no cost to you.

Oklahoma Eldercare Costs for 2023

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Assisted Living / Memory Care

In Oklahoma, as of Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020, in 2021, the average monthly cost of assisted living throughout the state is $3,750. Compared to the national monthly average of $4,300, this rate is quite low. In the area of Enid, in the Northwestern part of the state, the monthly average, $2,960, is even lower than the Oklahoma statewide average. Lawton, in the Southwestern part of the state, is also lower than the statewide average with a monthly average cost of $3,490. The metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa have the highest average monthly rate for assisted living, which ranges from $3,900 - $4,519.

Individuals who need additional care and supervision due to Alzheimer’s are able to reside in assisted living memory care units. On average, this type of care costs 20% - 30% more than does traditional assisted living. Therefore, one should expect to pay an additional $740 - $1,129 per month.

Home Care

Statewide in Oklahoma, in 2021, per the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average hourly rate for home care is $23.00. This rate varies significantly based on the geographic area of the state. Oklahoma City has an hourly average rate consistent to the statewide average at $23.00. Lawton has an average rate of $18 / hour, which is well below the statewide hourly average. On the other hand, the areas of Enid and Tulsa have an average hourly rate of $25.00, which is higher than the statewide average. 

For seniors who need a higher level of care, home health care is also available and is provided by a health professional. Statewide, the hourly average for this type of care is approximately $.95 more an hour.

Adult Day Care

In 2021, Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020 shows the most affordable type of elderly care in Oklahoma is adult day care, which has a statewide average cost of $70 / day. In the area of Lawton, the average daily cost is even more affordable at $52. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have adult day care costs on par with the statewide average at $70 / day.

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Oklahoma Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs

Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly

Background
Medicaid (which should not to be confused with Medicare) is a jointly administered program by the federal government and the state of Oklahoma. It provides health coverage to low-income elderly residents. In Oklahoma, Medicaid is called SoonerCare. For frail, elderly residents and disabled individuals, the Oklahoma state Medicaid plan will pay for nursing home care and some personal care. The state of Oklahoma also offers a Medicaid Waiver, commonly referred to as a Home and Community Based Services Waiver. This waiver provides in-home and community based services for the elderly and disabled, preventing or delaying nursing home placement, and allowing the individual to age in place at home.

One important difference between the state Medicaid plan and the Medicaid waiver is that the state plan is an entitlement program. This means anyone who meets the eligibility requirements is able to receive services. Medicaid waivers are not entitlement programs. Rather, they have a certain allotted number of available participant slots. Once the slots have been filled, a waitlist will result.

Programs and Waivers
The Personal Care Program is part of the Medicaid state plan, which is an entitlement program, and provides financial assistance to elderly and disabled individuals to employ a personal caregiver. Assistance may also include shopping for essentials, meal preparation, and housecleaning. This program allows for self-direction, enabling eligible individuals to hire the caregiver of their choosing, including select relatives.

The Advantage Program Waiver provides seniors with a variety of services and supports in their home or in an assisted living facility. Benefits may include meal delivery, disposable medical supplies, adult day care, home modifications, and personal care. Via this waiver, eligible applicants can self-direct their own personal care, even hiring some family members.

Medicaid Eligibility

Eligibility
Medicaid has restrictive eligibility requirements based on functional ability, income, and financial resources. As of 2023, Oklahoma single applicants are allowed a monthly income of up to $2,742 (300% of the current Federal Benefit Rate). Married applicants, with both spouses applying for services, are able to retain up to twice that amount. Individual applicants are also permitted up to $2,000 in countable resources, while married couples, with both spouses applying, can keep up to $4,000. There are several asset exemptions, which include an individual’s primary residence, given the applicant is living in it and his / her equity interest is not over $688,000, household furnishings, personal effects, such as clothing and a wedding ring, and an automobile.

Please note that the income and asset limits for the Personal Care Program, part of the regular state Medicaid program, vary from what is listed above. As of 2023, a single applicant is limited to a monthly income of $1,215 (100% of the Federal Poverty Level) and $2,000 in assets. When both spouses of a married couple are applying for benefits, the income limit is increased to $1,643 a month, and the asset limit is raised to $3,000.

Even if one exceeds the above income and asset limits, it is still possible to qualify for OK Medicaid. However, it is strongly recommended that one contact a Medicaid Planner prior to applying for Medicaid for assistance in restructuring finances for eligibility purposes. If not familiar with Medicaid’s rules, one may unknowingly disqualify himself or herself from Medicaid. Medicaid has a look-back rule, which prevents gifting and transferring assets under fair market value for 5 years from the date of one’s Medicaid application. If one has given assets away or sold them for less than fair market value during this timeframe, they will be in violation of this rule, and in turn will have a period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Oklahoma Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs

Oklahoma also offers two non-Medicaid assistance programs, which provide an alternative to assisted living or nursing home care.

The Adult Day Care Services program, also called the Adult Day Health Services program, helps to cover a portion of the fee for adult day care. In some cases, 100% of the fee is covered. While in adult day care, services may include personal care assistance, supervision, medication management, basic nursing services, recreational activities, and meals. 

Through In Home Assistance and Care Services for the Elderly, services are provided free of charge to low-income elderly Oklahoma residents through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offices. While services may vary based on the AAA office, supports often include personal care assistance, housecleaning, laundry, transportation, chore assistance, meal delivery, and in-home respite care.

Another option, not directly related to long-term care, but could free up some money that could be used towards the cost of senior care is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program assists with the costs of heating and cooling one’s home. Read more.

PACE Programs in Oklahoma

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.

Oklahoma’s PACE program covers a wide range of services, including adult day care, home care, hospice, hospital stays, laboratory services, meals and nutritional counseling, medically necessary transportation, nursing, physical and speech therapies, prescriptions, social services and X-rays. To qualify for PACE in Oklahoma, applicants must: 

  • Be aged 55 or older
  • Live in a PACE service area (based on ZIP code)
  • Be certified by the state as requiring a nursing home-level of care
  • Be able to live safely in the community at enrollment
  • Meet eligibility criteria consistent with Oklahoma’s Home and Community-Based Services program

How To Get Started With PACE in Oklahoma

PACE is a Medicaid and Medicare program, but those who don’t qualify can pay out of pocket for their portion of PACE services. To get started or learn more about Oklahoma’s PACE program, including eligibility, provided services and how to sign up, visit the state’s Medicaid website or contact one of the three PACE centers serving Oklahomans listed below.

PACE Provider

Contact

Areas Served

Cherokee Elder Care

(918) 453-5554

Tahlequah

LIFE PACE

(918) 938-7653

Residents within specified ZIP codes of Tulsa County

Valir PACE

(405) 609-3688

Residents within specified ZIP codes of Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian, McClain and Grady counties

Other Financial Options for Care

In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma

One of the best ways to manage the cost of elderly care is to find a high quality provider that offers services at an affordable rate. To assist families in this endeavor, a partnership has been formed between our organization and several others. This service is provided free of charge and matches an individual’s care needs with care providers in the geographic location in which one resides.  Click here to find affordable care.

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Top Cities for Senior Care in Oklahoma

For more information about the costs and resources available in Oklahoma cities, click on the links below. 

Top Cities for Memory Care

Top Cities for Assisted Living