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Vermont · checked September 2026
How Vermont 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
Yes, for the care. Choices for Care (High and Highest Needs groups) and Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) under Choices for Care and Assistive Community Care Services (ACCS) help pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Vermont's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Ask the state Medicaid office
Vermont doesn't publish a single income cap figure. A nursing home resident keeps a monthly amount for personal needs, and someone getting Choices for Care at home keeps a monthly allowance; a spouse at home can receive up to $4,066.50 a month (maximum). Income above the allowances generally goes toward the person's share of the cost (patient share). Ask the state Medicaid office for the current allowance amounts.
$2,000
The official long-term care Medicaid application (form 202LTC) refers to the 'allowed $2,000 limit' for combined resources for a single applicant. The form does not state a year.
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Look-back on gifts and transfers: 60 months.
Apply for Green Mountain Care (Vermont Medicaid); long-term care Medicaid is called Choices for Care
Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), with clinical eligibility from the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
Vermont's main long-term care Medicaid program for people who need nursing-home-level care. It can pay for care at home, in an Adult Family Care home, in an Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) home, or in a nursing home. In ERC the person pays room and board themselves; Medicaid pays for the care.
Waitlist: Ask about current waitlist status for the High and Highest Needs groups when you call.
The Choices for Care setting that works like assisted living. Medicaid pays for personal care, nursing oversight and medication management in a participating licensed residential care home. The resident pays room and board.
A regular Vermont Medicaid benefit (not a waiver) that pays for personal care, medication help and nursing assessment for people living in participating Level III residential care homes or assisted living residences. You do not need nursing-home-level care. The resident pays room and board to the facility.
A 24-hour shared living option where one or two people live in the home of a paid provider. Part of Choices for Care, for people who meet nursing-home-level care rules.
For people who need some help but not nursing-home-level care. Can pay for homemaker help, adult day, case management and a small flexible fund. Funding is limited.
Waitlist: Sometimes. The state says funding is limited. You do not need to be on Medicaid.
Vermont's Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) program adds a state supplement to SSI for people living in licensed residential care homes. Ask for the current dollar amounts when you apply.
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
The state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
You don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Online report 24/7 (the state's preferred method). Phone line business hours, about 8:00am to 4:30pm weekdays, with callbacks for after-hours messages.
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
In Vermont, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Residence; also Residential Care Home (Level III and Level IV). Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Look up any licensed community and read its inspection reports online.
File a complaint
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
Choices for Care lets the person (or a surrogate) hire their own caregivers through consumer-directed, surrogate-directed or Flexible Choices options. Ask the Area Agency on Aging which relatives, such as spouses, can be hired.
Help for family caregivers to reduce stress and keep caregiving, run by Vermont's five Area Agencies on Aging. Call the Senior HelpLine to reach yours.
Grants through the Area Agencies on Aging that can pay for in-home care, respite, homemaker help or adult day for families caring for someone with dementia.
Respite and in-home help for families caring for someone with dementia, through the local Area Agency on Aging.
Free state registry where you can store an advance directive so hospitals can find it. Official forms are linked from the Health Department page.
Matches people who need affordable housing with homeowners who want help around the house. Serves many, but not all, Vermont counties.
Yes, for the care part. In Vermont, Choices for Care (High and Highest Needs groups) and Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) under Choices for Care and Assistive Community Care Services (ACCS) can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
$2,000 for a single person. The official long-term care Medicaid application (form 202LTC) refers to the 'allowed $2,000 limit' for combined resources for a single applicant. The form does not state a year.
The Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman Project (run by Vermont Legal Aid): 1-800-889-2047. It's free and independent.
Researched from 35 sources, official pages first. Last checked .