Assisted living in North Carolina: cost, Medicaid & how to choose

North Carolina has 1,083 licensed assisted-living communities. Assisted living suits someone who needs help with daily activities but not round-the-clock nursing. Here’s what to know in North Carolina — cost, how Medicaid fits, and how to check a community’s record.

Find North Carolina assisted living & memory care

Browse communities with each state’s inspection/violation record where published: all North Carolina assisted living → or search near your ZIP →. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living has no national 5-star system — we show the state inspection record instead, never a fabricated rating.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in North Carolina?

It depends on the state waiver — see the Medicaid page. The main program is Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). Medicaid never pays for room & board in assisted living — only the care services, and usually through a waiver that may have a waitlist. Details + how to apply: North Carolina Medicaid & waivers →.

What it costs

Assisted living in North Carolina runs about $6,496/month (U.S. median $6,200; memory care runs higher), varying by region and care level. Compare it to home care and nursing-home costs in the cost planner, or weigh it in My Plan.

Next steps

Assisted living vs. nursing home → · Questions to ask on a tour →

Compiled from public CMS, HUD/USDA, and state records; general information, not advice. Verify specifics with the facility and North Carolina agencies.