Assisted Living in West Virginia
What It Costs Across West Virginia
While the statewide median for assisted living in West Virginia was around $4,160 per month in 2021, current estimates for 2024 suggest the average is closer to $5,500 monthly, with 2026 planning estimates around $4,900 per month, generally ranging from $4,600 to $5,200 monthly. These costs can vary significantly depending on the specific city, the level of care needed, apartment size, and amenities offered. For example, in 2021, Morgantown and Beckley were among the costliest areas, with averages between $5,500 and $5,810 per month. Charleston's average cost was around $4,750 in 2021, with 2026 estimates rising to about $5,620 monthly. On the more affordable side, Wheeling averaged $3,675 per month in 2021, though 2026 estimates put it at $4,760. You might find some significantly lower prices in smaller, more rural areas like Princeton, which had an average of $1,250 per month in 2021. This variation is often due to local demand, housing costs, and the number of available communities.
Will Medicaid Help Pay?
Yes, Medicaid can offer crucial support for assisted living services in West Virginia, primarily through the Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) program. It's important to understand that while the ADW covers services like personal care assistance, homemaker services, skilled nursing, and non-medical transportation, it typically does not cover the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility. To be eligible for the ADW, your parent must be 65 or older (or 18-64 and disabled) and require a nursing home level of care. For 2024, a single applicant's monthly income limit for the ADW is $2,829, and their countable assets generally cannot exceed $2,000. Keep in mind that the ADW is not an entitlement program, meaning even if eligible, there can be a waitlist for services. It's essential to apply early and understand that not all assisted living facilities accept Medicaid waivers.
How to Find a Good Facility
West Virginia has approximately 92 licensed assisted living facilities. The state's assisted living facilities are overseen by the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC), which falls under the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities. When looking for a good facility, always request a written contract that clearly outlines all services provided, both basic and optional, their costs, medication policies, refund procedures, and discharge criteria. Facilities are also required to perform an assessment of a resident's health, functional, psychosocial, activity, and dietary needs upon admission, with a service plan developed within 45 days. To check a facility's inspection records and compliance history, visit the OHFLAC website and use their "Facility Lookup" tool; you can view Health Investigations and Life Safety Inspections directly there. If you have concerns or complaints, you can contact OHFLAC via phone, fax, or mail, or reach out to a state Long-Term Care Ombudsman for advocacy.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.