Paying for Assisted Living in Nevada

If you're new to this, start with what Medicare pays for in assisted living.

In Nevada, Medicaid pays for the care part of assisted living through the Frail Elderly waiver. The waiver calls this augmented personal care. You pay rent and meals, often with SSI and a Nevada add-on. ADSD runs the waiver for the whole state. If your dad can't be alone at night but doesn't need a nurse, a group home is often next.

You may qualify if

• You're 65 or older and need nursing home level care, but can live safely in a group home.
• You have Nevada Medicaid, or can get it. On the waiver in 2026, income can be up to $2,982 a month and savings under $2,000 for one person.
• You pick a licensed home that takes the waiver.

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because an ADSD worker checks your needs face to face and the state decides. A Pair Team advocate can walk through it with you in one call.

What the waiver pays for

The waiver doesn't pay for nursing care around the clock, Nevada Medicaid's rules say.

How does the waiver set my level of care?

Your ADSD case manager picks one of four levels, based on how much help you need. Level one is reminders and supervision. Levels two and three add more hands-on care. Level four is for behaviors like wandering or refusing care, which can come with dementia. Your level is checked every year, or sooner if your needs change.

What is a residential facility for groups?

A residential facility for groups is Nevada's license for homes that give older adults food, a room, help and some supervision. It covers assisted living, state law says. The Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance licenses these homes.

How much will I pay for rent and meals?

You pay rent and meals from your own income. If you get SSI, Social Security pays up to $1,385 a month in 2026 if you're 65 or older and live in a licensed group home. That's $994 in SSI plus $391 from Nevada. Tell Social Security when you move, so it can change your amount. See SSI in Nevada.

Medicaid doesn't pay rent either way, so ask each home its price for room and board before you sign.

How long is the wait?

The wait for the Frail Elderly waiver can be long, because it has a fixed number of spots. In February 2026, 2,226 people were waiting, ADSD told a legislative committee. People who left a hospital or nursing home in the past six months and face a crisis go first. For people under 65 with a physical disability, the Physical Disabilities waiver also pays for care in assisted living.

How to apply

1. Get Medicaid if you don't have it. Apply at accessnevada.nv.gov, or call the Division of Social Services (DSS) at 1-800-992-0900. See Medicare and Medicaid in Nevada.
2. Apply to ADSD for the waiver. Send the Office of Community Living form to a regional office, or apply by phone at 702-486-5764. Offices are in Las Vegas (702-486-3545), Reno (775-687-0800), Carson City (775-687-4210) and Elko (775-738-1966).
3. Have the intake visit. ADSD should call within 15 working days and visit within 45 days, its rules say.
4. Watch for the letter. If no spot is open, the letter says "no slot available" and gives your priority level on the waitlist.
5. Pick a home from the list. Your case manager gives you homes that take the waiver. Care starts on your move-in date or Medicaid approval date, whichever is later.

For local offices, see Las Vegas and Reno.

How to check a home in Nevada

• Look up the license at FindaHealthFacility.nv.gov, the state's search of licensed homes.
• Report a problem with a home to the bureau at 702-668-3250, or HCQCComplaint@nvha.nv.gov.
• Call the long-term care ombudsman at 1-888-282-1155 for free, private help with a problem in a home.
• Report abuse or money taken to Adult Protective Services: 702-486-6930 in Clark County, or 888-729-0571 anywhere else.

If you are turned down

If Medicaid says no or cuts your care, ask for a fair hearing. Nevada Medicaid must get your request within 90 days of the notice date. To keep your care while you wait, ask within 10 days after the date of action on the notice.

What a Pair Team advocate does

Nevada families often call us after a fall, when a parent can't go home alone and the waiver letter says to wait. This is what we do:

• Check if you can likely get Medicaid and the waiver, in one call.
• Apply to ADSD with you, and follow up until there's an answer.
• Help you plan for the wait, like Medicaid help at home or adult day care.
• Help with what usually comes with it: a walker or shower chair, rides and bills.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Nevada?

Medicare does not pay for assisted living in Nevada, but it still pays for your doctor visits, home health and hospice there. Your drug plan still pays for your prescriptions.

Does Nevada have an assisted living waiver?

Nevada doesn't have a separate assisted living waiver now, Nevada Medicaid's list of programs shows. Care in assisted living is part of the Frail Elderly waiver at 65 and older. For younger adults, it's part of the Physical Disabilities waiver.

Can I get Personal Care Services in assisted living?

You can't get Personal Care Services while you live in a licensed group home, Nevada Medicaid's rules say. The waiver pays for your care there instead.

Is there a savings limit?

Yes, Nevada Medicaid's savings limit is $2,000 for one person, DSS says. If you're married, some income and savings are kept safe for the spouse at home.

What if I have dementia?

If you have dementia, the waiver's fourth level adds staff help for behaviors like wandering. Ask the home how it handles memory loss, and see Medicare and dementia care.

Sources

• Waiver for the Frail Elderly, Nevada Medicaid
• Medicaid Services Manual Chapter 2200, Waiver for the Frail Elderly (augmented personal care, intake, waitlist), Nevada Medicaid
• Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities, Nevada Medicaid
• Long Term Services and Support programs, Nevada Medicaid
• Medicaid Services Manual Chapter 3500, Personal Care Services Program, Nevada Medicaid
• Fair Hearings and form NMO-6300, Nevada Medicaid
• Waiver for the Frail Elderly, Aging and Disability Services Division
• 2025 Income Guidelines by Program, Aging and Disability Services Division
• Contact, Aging and Disability Services Division
• Long Term Care Ombudsman, Aging and Disability Services Division
• Minutes, Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs, February 23, 2026
• Call Us table (Office of Community Living programs), Access Nevada
• NRS 449.017, residential facility for groups defined, Nevada Legislature
• Find a Health Facility, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance
• Contact Us and complaints, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance
• Supplemental Security Income in Nevada, 2026, Social Security Administration
• POMS SI SF01415.300, Nevada Optional State Supplementation, Social Security Administration
• B-300 MAABD Medical Categories (resource limits), Nevada Division of Social Services
• Ranked Median Costs by State, Cost of Care Survey 2025, CareScout