Does Utah Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Yes, for the care part. In Utah, New Choices Waiver can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
Utah · checked September 2026
Senior care help in Utah
How Utah helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in Utah?
Yes, for the care. New Choices Waiver helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Paying for senior care in Utah
Utah's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
Ask the state Medicaid office
For nursing home care there is no hard income cap, but nearly all income goes toward the cost of care. Utah uses a spenddown (medically needy) program rather than a Miller trust. Confirm the New Choices Waiver and Aging Waiver income limits with the state Medicaid office before relying on them.
Asset limit (single person)
$2,000
2026
Single applicant. Confirm with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
If income is over the limit
Utah doesn't use a hard cap. People over the limit can qualify by paying most of their income toward their care (a spend-down).
Apply for Utah Medicaid
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (Medicaid); eligibility decided by the Department of Workforce Services
New Choices Waiver
Can pay in assisted livingUtah's main Medicaid program that can help pay for care services in assisted living. You must already be living in a nursing home or licensed assisted living facility to apply, and need nursing-home-level care. Room and board is not covered.
Waitlist: Only people already living long-term in a nursing home, licensed assisted living facility, small health care (Type N) facility or other licensed medical institution can apply. The program page did not state whether enrollment is currently open; it has had closed enrollment periods in the past, so call to check.
Aging Waiver
Not for assisted livingFor people 65 and older who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. It pays for in-home help such as personal attendants, homemaker and chore services, adult day care, respite and case management. Its service list does not include assisted living.
Waitlist: Sometimes. The state says it 'serves a limited number of individuals', so there may be a wait. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Who to call in Utah
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Phone Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; online report 24/7; call 911 in an emergency
Utah SHIP (Medicare Assistance)
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
How to check a Utah assisted living or nursing home
In Utah, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Facility (Type I and Type II). Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Utah DHHS Division of Licensing and Background Checks (DLBC)
Look up any licensed community and read its inspection reports online.
File a complaint
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
Utah veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Free legal help and paperwork in Utah
Documents and forms
Utah help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
Ask the Medicaid office or your local aging office whether a family member can be paid to provide care through the Aging Waiver or New Choices Waiver.
Caregiver Support Program
Help for unpaid family caregivers of older adults or people with dementia, including counseling, support groups, respite care and supplies. Run through your local Area Agency on Aging.
More help in Utah
Home and Community Based Alternatives Program
A state program run through Area Agencies on Aging for low-income older adults who need in-home help to stay independent at home.
Utah senior care questions
What is the Medicaid asset limit in Utah?
$2,000 for a single person (2026). Single applicant. Confirm with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in Utah?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 801-538-3910. It's free and independent.
National help that works in Utah too
Senior living in Utah cities
Senior care guides for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Researched from 22 sources, official pages first. Last checked .