Assisted Living in Vermont
What It Costs Across Vermont
Vermont's assisted living costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you look. While the statewide median is around $5,250 per month, some sources indicate an average closer to $6,337 or even $6,710 per month in recent years. You'll find higher prices in major metropolitan areas. For instance, assisted living in Burlington averages around $6,583 per month, and can even reach $8,226 per month in 2024 estimates. South Burlington is a bit lower at about $5,013 per month, but other towns like Bennington can be around $6,365, Middlebury at $8,400, and Shelburne around $8,511. These differences highlight that location significantly impacts your budget, with more rural areas often being more affordable than the larger towns and cities. The level of care needed, room size, and amenities also play a role in the final price.
Will Medicaid Help Pay?
Yes, Medicaid can help, but it’s important to understand how. Vermont offers the Assistive Community Care Services (ACCS) program, which is part of the state's Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) and operates under the Global Commitment to Health Waiver. ACCS is designed to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently in licensed Level III assisted living facilities. Critically, ACCS covers the cost of care services, such as personal care, medication management, and nursing overview, but it does not cover room and board. To be eligible, you or your loved one must be a Vermont resident, age 65 or older (or 18+ with a disability), and require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Unlike many waiver programs, ACCS is an entitlement, meaning there isn't a waitlist for the program itself once eligibility is met. However, you might still face a wait if there are no available beds in a participating facility. For 2026, a single applicant for Nursing Home Medicaid (which can apply to some waiver services like Choices for Care) generally needs an income under $2,982 per month and assets under $2,000. The former Choices for Care Waiver, now absorbed by the Global Commitment to Health, assists those needing a nursing home level of care and can have waitlists.
How to Find a Good Facility
Vermont has over 60 licensed assisted living facilities across the state. When looking for a good fit, consider a facility's overall atmosphere, the types of services offered, and how well they match your parent's needs. The primary oversight agency in Vermont is the Division of Licensing and Protection (DLP), which is part of the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). The DLP licenses and certifies healthcare facilities and is responsible for ensuring they meet state and federal regulations. You can use their website to find a list of facilities and often to check inspection records and complaint histories. For specific inspection reports, you might need to contact the Survey and Certification section of the DLP directly at (802) 241-0480 or email them. The Vermont Eldercare Navigator also provides a searchable database of residential care and assisted living inspection data from 2014-2020. Always combine your online research with in-person tours and conversations with current residents and staff to get a full picture.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.