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Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Minnesota requires a distinct MDH license for memory care -- "assisted living facility with dementia care" -- not just a disclosure. Here is what physically differs.

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Memory care regulation in Minnesota. Minnesota requires a distinct MDH license -- assisted living facility with dementia care -- for any community with a secured memory care unit, not just a disclosure. Read the full explanation →

What physically differs

A licensed Minnesota memory care unit must have secured exits, dementia-specific staff training under Minn. Stat. 144G.83, and a written pre-admission disclosure under Minn. Stat. 325F.72 covering staffing, programming, and physical security. Standard assisted living has none of these specific requirements.

No published cost median

There is no published memory care cost median anywhere in the country -- CareScout does not survey it as a category. Get quotes in writing from each community you tour rather than relying on an estimate found online.

Questions families ask

How do I apply for Medical Assistance long-term care or a waiver in the Twin Cities?

Start by contacting your county human services agency (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, or Washington County) or calling the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 to request a MnCHOICES long-term-care needs assessment, which determines functional eligibility, alongside a separate financial application for Medical Assistance.

Does Medicaid pay for the full cost of assisted living in Minnesota?

No. Medical Assistance, through the Elderly Waiver, pays only for the care-services portion delivered inside a licensed assisted living facility, never the room-and-board charge. Minnesota does not have a broad state subsidy that covers private-pay room and board, though very-low-income residents in certain licensed settings may qualify for a separate, narrower Housing Support benefit to help offset it.

What are Minnesota's income and asset limits for nursing home Medical Assistance in 2026?

Minnesota is a '209(b) medically needy' state with no fixed income cap — income above the Medically Needy Income Limit (commonly cited around $1,305/month for an individual in 2026) must be spent down on medical or care costs each budget period. Countable assets are generally limited to around $3,000 for a single applicant and $6,000 for a couple both applying, though these specific dollar figures are third-party sourced and should be reconfirmed against DHS's Eligibility Policy Manual before relying on them for a specific case.

How much can a healthy spouse keep if their partner needs Medicaid-covered nursing home care in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota's Community Spouse Asset Allowance (Minn. Stat. 256B.059), a non-applicant spouse can generally protect between $32,532 and $162,660 in assets (2026 federal figures), plus a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance of income ranging from about $2,705 to $4,066.50 per month, depending on their own income and housing costs.

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