Nursing homes and assisted living in Alaska

In Alaska, distances are long and many care homes are small houses. The state also runs its own homes for older adults: the Pioneer Homes. Here we explain the options and who to call.

What care settings are called here

• Assisted Living Home: this is assisted living. It offers housing, meals, and help with daily activities. It needs a license if it cares for three or more adults who are not related to the owner, or if it receives state or federal payment. Licenses are issued by the Residential Licensing Unit of the Division of Health Care Services, Alaska Department of Health. Phone: 907-334-2400. The unit inspects each licensed home once a year and publishes a list of open homes.
• Nursing facility or Long Term Care Facility: this is a nursing home, with medical care and supervision 24 hours a day. It is licensed by the Health Facilities Licensing and Certification Unit: 907-334-2483 or 888-387-9387.
• Alaska Pioneer Homes: six assisted living homes run by the state itself.

How Medicaid helps in Alaska

Alaska Medicaid pays for nursing home care for people who qualify. It also has the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) waiver, for adults 21 or older who need a nursing home level of care and meet the income and resource limits. This program can pay for these services:

• Residential supported living in a licensed Assisted Living Home
• Adult day care
• Respite care for the caregiver
• Meals

How to apply:

1. For the waivers, the first step is to call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-855-565-2017.
2. You apply for long-term care Medicaid online through Alaska Connect.
3. If you need help, call the Division of Public Assistance Virtual Contact Center: 800-478-7778.

How much care costs in Alaska

These are the statewide medians from CareScout's Cost of Care Survey 2025 (data from July to November 2025):

• Assisted living (private one-bedroom unit): $9,882 a month
• Nursing home, semi-private room: $915 a day (about $27,831 a month). This is one of the highest figures in the country. CareScout did not publish a median for a private room.
• Non-medical home caregiver: $38 an hour
• Adult day health care: $175 a day

At the Pioneer Homes, the monthly rate depends on the level of care. It ranges from $3,458 (Level I) to $16,305 (Level V). The state has a Payment Assistance program for residents who were denied a Medicaid waiver.

Who to call

• Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman: a free advocate for residents 60 or older. Phone: 1-800-730-6393 or (907) 334-4480.
• ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center): 1-855-565-2017.
• Pioneer Homes, main office: 907-465-4416.
• Eldercare Locator (national line): 1-800-677-1116.

Tips for your family

• Sign up early for a Pioneer Home. Alaska residents 60 or older can apply if they have lived in the state for the 12 months in a row before they apply. There are waiting lists, ordered by application date.
• Ask if the home is licensed. A home with one or two residents that doesn't receive public payment can operate without a license. If you plan to use Medicaid, the place must be licensed.
• Start with the ADRC. They can guide you on the ALI waiver and other options in your region.
• Plan for travel. If your loved one lives in a remote area, ask which services reach their community before you think about moving them.

This is general information and does not replace medical or legal advice.