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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Alaska · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or someone you love is getting older in Alaska, you may be worried about how to pay for care. Maybe the bills are adding up, or you're not sure what Medicare covers and what it doesn't. Take a deep breath. You are not alone, and there is real help out there.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-855-565-2017This is your one-call starting point. Friendly local staff can help you understand your options for care at home, in the community, or in a facility — and point you to the right programs. No cost, no pressure.
Alaska has free programs that can help you pay for a doctor, medicine, food, in-home care, and more. The hard part is often just knowing who to call. That's what this page is for. We've gathered the trusted phone numbers and websites so you don't have to hunt for them.
Everything listed here is free to use. No one will try to sell you anything. Whether you're a senior figuring this out for yourself or an adult child helping a parent, you can start with one phone call. Let's take it one step at a time.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Many seniors want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Alaska Medicaid can help make that happen through what's called a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
Call to talk through your options for in-home and community-based care.
Call to begin a functional assessment for the ALI Waiver and other services.
You'll first need to qualify for Alaska Medicaid, then a trained staff member will do a functional assessment to see what services fit your needs. Don't worry — these folks do this every day and can guide you through each step.
Alaska Medicaid (DenaliCare) covers a lot for seniors, including doctor visits and hospital care, prescription drugs, nursing home care, home and community-based care (help so you can stay in your own home), and personal care services, like help with bathing, dressing, and meals.
Who qualifies? Alaska Medicaid is based mainly on your income and your resources (things like savings). There are also special rules for people who need long-term care. The income and resource limits change every year, and the rules can be tricky — so please don't count yourself out. The best thing to do is simply call and ask.
Call the Virtual Contact Center to apply by phone, apply online at health.alaska.gov ("Apply for Medicaid" under the Division of Public Assistance), or visit your local Division of Public Assistance office — the phone line or website can tell you where the nearest one is.
If you feel stuck, the ADRC (1-855-565-2017) can walk you through it.
If you're on Medicare
If money is tight, two programs can put real dollars back in your pocket.
Apply through Alaska Medicaid for a Medicare Savings Program.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
SHIP can check which programs you qualify for, free of charge.
Medicare can be confusing. The good news is that Alaska has free, trusted help.
The Alaska Medicare Information Office, also called SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), gives free, unbiased counseling. That means no one is trying to sell you a plan or earn a commission. They can help you understand what Medicare covers, compare Medicare plans and drug coverage, find programs that lower your costs, and sort out billing problems.
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling — call or visit the website to reach a SHIP counselor.
Everyday essentials
Helps you buy groceries each month. Apply through the Alaska Division of Public Assistance by phone or online.
Call to connect with senior nutrition programs near you — sometimes called Meals on Wheels — or meals at a local senior center.
Can also connect you with senior nutrition programs and meal delivery near you.
If you're worried about rent, utilities, or finding safe, affordable senior housing, start with one of these — they can point you to affordable senior housing, help with rent or heating bills, and other local programs.
Run by United Way of Anchorage. You can also call 1-800-478-2221.
Can point you to affordable senior housing, rent or heating bill help, and other local programs.
Guidance & protection
Every part of Alaska is served by aging and disability resources that connect seniors and families to local help — things like rides, meals, caregiver support, and in-home services.
They'll connect you with the resource center that serves your area.
Give them your ZIP code and they'll point you to the right local office.
Free civil legal help to Alaskans with low incomes, including seniors, through the statewide intake line.
Call for help finding elder-law resources near you.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living and something doesn't feel right, an ombudsman is on your side. They stand up for residents' rights and help resolve problems — for free and in confidence.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. Also reachable at 907-334-4480.
National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
National locator if you need to find an ombudsman program outside Alaska.
Dial 2-1-1 or call 1-800-478-2221 for help with almost any need — food, housing, utilities, transportation, and more.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call the ADRC at 1-855-565-2017. Tell them what's going on. They'll help you see your options.
Call for free1-855-565-2017Alaska Medicaid (also called DenaliCare) is the state's health coverage program for people with lower incomes. It covers doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care, and even care at home. Many seniors have both Medicaid and Medicare.
Mostly, no. Medicare covers doctors, hospitals, and short-term needs, but it does not pay for long-term help at home or in assisted living. Alaska Medicaid, through programs like the ALI Waiver, is what usually helps with that.
Very possibly, yes. Many seniors on a fixed income qualify for Medicaid or cost-saving programs. The limits change every year, so the only way to know for sure is to ask. Call 1-800-478-7778 to check.
Ask about Medicare Savings Programs through Alaska Medicaid (1-800-478-7778). The QMB program, for example, pays your Part B premium of about $185 a month. For drug costs, apply for Extra Help through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Often, yes. Alaska's ALI Waiver is designed to help seniors get care at home instead of in a facility. Call the ADRC at 1-855-565-2017 or Senior & Disabilities Services at 1-800-478-9996 to start.
Absolutely. That's exactly what the ADRC (1-855-565-2017) and Alaska 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1) are for. It's all free, and there's no pressure.
You've taken a brave first step just by reading this. Help is real, it's free, and kind people are ready to answer the phone when you call.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.