Zero Fabricated Personas • Machine-Audited Public Records • Updated September 2026
Data Methodology, Sourcing & Freshness Standards
Generic AI websites aggregate vague estimates from secondary marketing surveys. ElderGuide NearMe operates on an open-science, primary-data standard: every number, citation count, and Medicaid income limit connects directly to an official federal or state registry.
Live Registry Synchronization Status
4pq5-n9py1. Calculator Formulas & Estimation Algorithms
All interactive simulations execute locally within your browser using transparent formulas:
A. Base Monthly Care Costs
Base assisted living median costs represent private or semi-private room accommodations including three daily meals, 24-hour emergency response, housekeeping, and medication management oversight. State baselines are adjusted quarterly using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Medical Care Services (Series CUUR0000SAM).
B. Memory Care Dementia Premium Surcharge
Memory care units require secure delayed-egress doors, specialized sensory architectural design, and elevated direct-care staffing ratios mandated by state administrative codes (e.g. Florida Rule 59A-36.007). Our engine applies a verified 20% to 28% surcharge above base assisted living depending on regional regulatory mandates.
C. Medicaid HCBS Waiver Eligibility Algorithm
Our financial gap calculator evaluates the user's monthly income against the official 2026 state-specific institutional Medicaid income limit (e.g. $2,829/month in Florida, Texas, and New York, representing 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate). When an applicant's monthly income is at or below this statutory limit, the tool tags eligibility for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver offsets.
D. VA Non-Service-Connected Pension (Aid & Attendance)
For wartime veterans and surviving spouses, the engine integrates the 2026 Department of Veterans Affairs maximum monthly pension rate of $2,431/month (veteran with no dependents) or $2,883/month (veteran with one dependent) to calculate net out-of-pocket family exposure.
E. Proprietary Local Quote Schemas & Care Tier Surcharges
To protect families from unanticipated "care tier creep," ElderGuide NearMe indexes granular community rate sheets rather than relying solely on high-level metropolitan medians. Every verified assisted living listing decomposes monthly costs into four distinct pillars:
- Accommodation Room Tiers: Base rates differentiate semi-private companion suites (indexed at ~82% of studio base), private studio apartments (baseline), and deluxe one-bedroom/corner suites (~118% of studio base).
- Level-of-Care (LOC) Surcharges: Point-based assessments categorized into Level 1 (minimal reminders/ADL prompts: +$450/mo), Level 2 (moderate physical assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming: +$950/mo), and Level 3 (comprehensive two-person transfers and incontinence management: +$1,650/mo), plus specialized memory care programming ($1,250–$1,850/mo).
- Medication Management Administration: Tiered clinical oversight by licensed medication technicians (ranging from $400 to $650/mo based on medication pass complexity).
- Ancillary & Move-In Disclosures: Mandatory community entrance fees (1-time deposit typically $2,500–$5,000), second-resident companion surcharges ($1,250/mo), and respite day rates ($150–$250/day).
All quote schemas specify the exact quoter authority (e.g. Community Admissions Fee Schedule, Residency Agreement Form), audit date, and state license confirmation hyperlink.
2. Primary Regulatory Datasets & API Endpoints
| Jurisdiction | Regulatory Authority | Primary Data Source & API Endpoint | Licensing Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (U.S.) | Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) | CMS Provider Data Catalog Socrata API (4pq5-n9py) |
42 CFR § 483 (Long-Term Care Requirements) |
| California | Department of Social Services (CDSS CCLD) | California Health & Human Services Open Data CKAN API (744d1583-f9eb-45b6-b0f8-b9a9dab936a6) |
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1569 (RCFE) |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) | Illinois Open Data Socrata API (8z4a-ix8q) |
77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 (Assisted Living Act) |
| Florida | Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) | Florida Health Finder ALF Master Licensure Portal | Chapter 429, Florida Statutes & Rule 59A-36, F.A.C. |
| Texas | Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) | Texas Open Data Portal & HHSC ALF Directory | Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 247 |
| New York | New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) | Health Data NY Adult Care Facility Directory | 18 NYCRR Part 487 / 488 (Adult Homes & Enriched Housing) |
| Pennsylvania | Department of Human Services (DHS) | PADHS Human Services Provider Directory | 55 Pa. Code Ch. 2600 & Ch. 2800 |
| Ohio | Department of Health (ODH) & Department of Aging (ODA) | Ohio Long-Term Care Consumer Guide (ltc.ohio.gov) | Ohio Revised Code § 3721 & OAC 3701-16 |
| North Carolina | Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS DHSR) | Adult Care Licensure Star Rating Registry | 10A NCAC 13F (Adult Care Homes) |
| Georgia | Department of Community Health (DCH HFRD) | Healthcare Facility Regulation Portal | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-63 |
| Arizona | Department of Health Services (ADHS) | AZ Care Check Public Health Licensing Portal | A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 10, Article 8 |
3. Independent Consumer Research Charter
ElderGuide NearMe is an independent educational and research platform. We strictly reject fabricated personas, invented medical review credentials, or undisclosed broker relationships.
We do not sell insurance or represent Medicare Advantage carriers under CMS 42 CFR § 422.2267. For personalized official guidance, we direct families to the U.S. Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or Medicare.gov.