Assisted Living Facilities

Pioneer Home System: Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Palmer
The Pioneer Home system offers two waiting lists.  One, known as the Inactive Waiting List, is for those who plan to enter the Pioneer Home at some time in the future and the other, Active Waiting List, is for those with an immediate desire to move into the facility within 30 days.  The waiting list is free to sign up on.  Once an application is received your name and application date are recorded.  If you choose to move to the Active Waiting List, your application date determines your placement on the Active List.  The older the application date the higher you fall on the Active Waiting List (the oldest application is #1 on the Active Waiting List).   They require all applicants to be Alaska residents over the age of 65 years.
Website: State of Alaska, Department of Family and Community Services, Division of Alaska Pioneer Homes

Medicaid Wavier Services/Benefits:
Medicaid Wavier will pay a significant portion of the cost for services in a facility for an individual needing Assisted Living placement.  The participant, however, is required to pay a portion of their monthly income to the facility for monthly rent, known as Cost of Care.  The following brochures have more details about understanding your Cost of Care.
Medicaid Recipients’ Version Understanding Your Cost of Care: A Guide for People Getting Long-Term Services and Supports   
Professional Version Navigating Cost of Care Amount: A Practical Guide for LTSS Providers and Care Coordinators 

Private Insurance:
For individuals who carry private long-term care insurance, assisted living may be a covered expense.  Note that often private long-term care insurance will not cover all of the expenses associated with your stay but may reduce fees significantly. Check with your provider, as it is often the case that you may have to pay fully out of pocket for care for several months prior to your insurance covering your needs or other requirements such as placement following a hospital (acute care) stay.

General Relief Program:
For an individual who needs immediate Assisted Living facility placement but is pending a Medicaid Wavier, The State of Alaska Department of Health Division of Senior and Disabilities Services provides the General Relief Program that assists with the cost of placement for an interim period.  The individual is still required to pay a portion of their monthly income to the facility with this funding.
Website: State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, General Relief Program
List of General Relief Accepting facilities: General Relief Approved Assisted Living Providers (May 2025)

Moving Out of Assisted Living:
If you have improved while residing in a facility and desire to seek community placement, the State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services offer a program to assist with the cost associated for moving out of a Skilled Nursing, Long-Term Care, or Assisted Living Facility.
Website: Nursing Facility Transition/Assisted Living Transition Program