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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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North Dakota · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you're growing older in North Dakota and money is tight, please don't lose hope. There is free help available all across the state — whether you're in Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, or a small rural town — and the people who run these programs are patient and used to helping seniors and their families.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-855-462-5465North Dakota's one-stop line for seniors. They connect you to in-home care, long-term care, food, and other local help.
North Dakota Medicaid can help pay for doctors, prescriptions, in-home caregivers, and even nursing-home care for people with low incomes. There are also free counselors who help you understand Medicare and cut your costs.
This page walks you through the key phone numbers and what each one is for, in plain language. Take it one call at a time — you don't have to figure it all out at once.
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
Most seniors would rather stay in their own home, and North Dakota Medicaid can help.
They'll explain your options and help arrange an assessment.
North Dakota Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and long-term care — both in your own home and in a nursing home.
Who qualifies? Medicaid looks at your income and, for long-term care, your savings and assets. The limits change every year and depend on the type of help you need. Don't assume you make "too much" — many seniors qualify once medical costs are counted. Income limits change yearly, so call to check before you rule yourself out.
Apply online, by phone, or in person through your local Human Service Zone office.
Call the Aging & Disability Resource-LINK for guidance on applying.
Applying is free.
PACE is a great option for seniors who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. It bundles your doctors, therapy, prescriptions, and adult day care into one program — usually free if you have Medicaid.
North Dakota has a PACE program serving parts of the state.
Call to check availability, or search the National PACE Association site to learn more.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare's costs are stretching your budget, two programs can help.
The ND HHS Customer Support Center handles Medicare Savings Program applications.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
A SHIC counselor can help you apply.
North Dakota's State Health Insurance Assistance Program is called SHIC (State Health Insurance Counseling), run through the North Dakota Insurance Department. Their counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help — they don't sell insurance.
They can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, enroll in programs that lower your Medicare and drug costs, sort out confusing bills and denials, and understand open enrollment.
Free, unbiased Medicare help from the North Dakota Insurance Department. They don't sell insurance.
Everyday essentials
Apply online or by phone. Many seniors qualify.
Home-delivered and community-site meals available through your local aging services — reach them via the ADRL.
Dial 211 to find food pantries near you.
If keeping a roof over your head is a worry, these can help.
Free help with rent, affordable housing, and avoiding eviction or foreclosure.
Dial 211 for local rental and utility assistance.
Can point you toward senior housing and home-repair help.
Guidance & protection
North Dakota's aging services — senior meals, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home help — are coordinated through the Aging & Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL). You can also reach local services through the Eldercare Locator.
Coordinates North Dakota's aging services, including senior meals, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home help.
Connects you to local senior services anywhere in the country.
You have the right to free legal help with benefits, housing, and elder abuse.
Legal Services of North Dakota
Free civil legal help for North Dakotans, with a program dedicated to those age 60 and older.
Can connect you with Legal Services of North Dakota.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living and something feels wrong, an Ombudsman is a free advocate for residents' rights. North Dakota's Long-Term Care Ombudsman works through the state's aging services.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities — reach the ombudsman through the ADRL or online.
Dial 211 for free, local help with food, housing, and utilities.
A free national service that connects older adults and caregivers to local services anywhere in the U.S.
Call the ADRL at 1-855-462-5465. Explain what's happening. They'll listen and point you to the right programs.
Call for free1-855-462-5465It's the state's health-coverage program for people with low incomes. It covers health care and long-term care, usually at little or no cost.
Generally no. Medicare covers doctors and short-term care, not ongoing assisted living or long-term nursing-home costs. Medicaid is the program that helps with long-term care.
Yes. These programs are designed for people on fixed and low incomes. Call the ADRL at 1-855-462-5465.
Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs through the ND HHS Customer Support Center (1-866-614-6005). The QMB level pays your ~$185 monthly Part B premium plus copays. SHIC (1-888-575-6611) can help you apply.
Care at home brings an aide or services to you so you can stay in your own place; a nursing home provides 24-hour care in a facility. North Dakota Medicaid can help pay for either — the HCBS waiver focuses on keeping people at home.
Yes. The ADRL (1-855-462-5465) and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) are free and glad to help.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. North Dakota has these programs so its elders can live safely and with dignity. Make the calls, ask your questions, and use what's yours.
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.