# Questions to ask about costs and fees

Canonical: https://assistedlivingguides.com/checklists/cost-questions/

Checklist · Updated 2026-09-29

A printable list of questions to ask each assisted living community about monthly fees, care charges, one-time fees and how to pay.

Print one copy for each community you are considering, and ask every one the same questions so you can compare fairly. Write the answers down, and ask for the fee schedule in writing.

Rules and fees vary by state and by community, so confirm anything important before you sign. For help understanding the answers, see our [costs guide](https://assistedlivingguides.com/guides/costs/index.md) or talk with an elder-law attorney or benefits counselor.

## Monthly fees

- [ ] What does the base monthly fee include?
- [ ] Which services cost extra, and can I see the full price list?
- [ ] How often do fees go up, and how much notice do you give?

## Care fees

- [ ] How is care priced: levels of care, per service, or all-inclusive?
- [ ] Who assesses my parent's care needs, and how often?
- [ ] Is medication management included or charged separately?
- [ ] What would memory care cost here if it were needed later?

## One-time fees and contract terms

- [ ] Is there a community, move-in or entrance fee, and is any of it refundable?
- [ ] How much notice is needed to move out, and what fees apply?
- [ ] Can I take the residency agreement and fee schedule home to review?

## Paying for care

- [ ] Do you accept Medicaid, and is there a waiting list for Medicaid residents?
- [ ] Do you work with long-term care insurance or VA benefits paperwork?
- [ ] What happens if my parent's private funds run out?

Costs, rules and services vary by state and by community. Use this site to prepare, then confirm details with the community and your state licensing agency.

## Sources

- [Long-Term Care Coverage (Medicare.gov)](https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/long-term-care)
- [Medicaid (Administration for Community Living)](https://acl.gov/ltc/medicare-medicaid-and-more/medicaid)