Continuing care retirement communities let seniors settle in one place and access more care as they need it. This guide explains how CCRCs work, what they cost, and how to find the right one near you.
What is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a senior housing campus that combines several levels of care in one location: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents move in while still active and independent, then transition to higher levels of care on the same campus if their health changes — without relocating to a new community. Many providers now use the term "Life Plan Community" to emphasize this continuum. CCRCs typically charge a one-time entrance fee plus monthly fees. There are about 1,900 CCRCs nationwide (LeadingAge). To compare options near you, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).
How do I find a CCRC or Life Plan Community near me?
To find a CCRC near you, start by deciding your priorities: location near family, contract type, entrance-fee budget, and the care levels offered on campus. Tour at least two or three communities, ask to see the most recent financial disclosure statement, and confirm the community is licensed in your state. Accreditation by CARF (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) is a strong quality signal — fewer than 15% of CCRCs are CARF-accredited. Our senior advisors can shortlist communities in your area and explain the fine print. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for free, no-pressure help.
What does a CCRC cost?
CCRC costs have two parts: a one-time entrance fee and an ongoing monthly fee. Entrance fees commonly range from about $40,000 to over $2 million, with many falling between $300,000 and $600,000, depending on the residence, location, and contract type (AARP and industry data). Monthly fees typically run from roughly $2,000 to $6,000 and cover housing, services, and a portion of future care. The contract type you choose — Type A, B, or C — heavily affects both the upfront and ongoing price. To understand what a community in your area would cost, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).
Does Medicare or Medicare Supplement insurance pay for a CCRC?
Medicare does not pay CCRC entrance fees or monthly fees — those are housing and personal-care costs. Medicare does cover medically necessary services within a CCRC the same way it does anywhere else: hospital stays (Part A), doctor visits (Part B), short-term skilled nursing rehab after a qualifying hospital stay, and prescription drugs (Part D). A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can pay the deductibles and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves behind, protecting your savings as you move through a CCRC's care levels. To review your Medicare and Medigap coverage before choosing a community, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).
CCRC contract types: Type A, Type B, and Type C explained
CCRCs offer three main contracts. Type A (Life Care) charges higher upfront and monthly fees but locks in little or no increase when you need assisted living or nursing care — essentially prepaid care. Type B (Modified) costs less initially and includes a set amount of higher-level care, after which you pay discounted rates. Type C (Fee-for-Service) has the lowest entrance fee but you pay full market rate for each care level as you use it. The right contract depends on your health outlook and finances. A licensed advisor can walk you through the trade-offs — call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).