American House is a regional chain of assisted living communities in the Midwest
American House operates assisted living facilities across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. The company runs both independent senior housing and assisted living communities, meaning some of their properties offer different levels of care on the same campus. They are a for-profit operator, not a government program, so costs and what is included vary by location and the care level you need.
If you are considering American House, you are choosing between a specific company's communities and other assisted living options in your area. This guide covers how American House works, what to expect when you visit, and how to compare it to other providers.
Key Takeaways
- American House communities are located in four Midwest states and charge monthly fees that vary by location, room type, and services included.
- Most American House communities offer tiered pricing, meaning you pay more as your care needs increase, rather than one flat rate.
- You can tour any American House community without obligation, and staff can walk you through pricing and what is covered in each tier.
- Medicare and Medicaid coverage of assisted living varies by state and by individual circumstances, so you need to check with your state's Medicaid program directly.
- American House communities are licensed and inspected by their state health department, and inspection records are public information you can request.
How American House pricing and care tiers work
American House communities typically charge a monthly base fee plus additional costs for services beyond basic assisted living. The base fee usually covers your apartment or room, meals, utilities, and common area access. Services like medication management, bathing information, or specialized memory care are often billed separately or included in a higher tier.
The exact cost depends on which community you are looking at, what size room you choose, and what level of care you need. A studio or one-bedroom apartment will cost less than a two-bedroom. If you need help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, toileting — that typically costs more than if you only need medication reminders. You should ask for a written price sheet from the specific community you are interested in, because costs can differ significantly between locations.
Some American House communities offer a move-in special or waived fees for the first month, but these promotions change. Always ask what is included in the advertised price and what costs extra before you commit.
What Medicare and Medicaid cover at American House
Medicare does not cover assisted living itself, but it may cover certain services provided within an assisted living community — such as skilled nursing visits or physical therapy — if those services are medically necessary. The assisted living room and board, however, is your responsibility to pay.
Medicaid coverage of assisted living varies significantly by state. Some states cover assisted living through their Medicaid program; others do not. If you live in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Pennsylvania, you need to contact your state's Medicaid office to learn whether assisted living is a covered service and what the income and asset limits are. Your state Medicaid program can also tell you which assisted living communities, including American House locations, are enrolled as Medicaid providers.
If you are on a limited income and think Medicaid might help, start by calling your state's Medicaid office or visiting their website. They can tell you whether you meet the financial thresholds and what paperwork you need to submit. Do not assume a community accepts Medicaid just because it is in your state — always confirm directly with the community.
How to visit and evaluate an American House community
The best way to understand what American House offers is to tour a community in person. You can call any American House location directly to schedule a tour, or visit their website to request information. During a tour, ask to see a typical apartment, the dining areas, activity spaces, and any specialized units like memory care if that is relevant to you.
Bring a list of questions about staffing levels, how medications are managed, what happens if care needs increase, and what the process is if you need to leave. Ask whether there are additional fees for services you think you might need — transportation, laundry, personal care — and get those costs in writing. Tours are free and do not obligate you to move in.
After the tour, you can compare what you learned to other assisted living communities in the same area. Look at the state inspection records for each community you are considering — these are public and show any violations or complaints. Your state health department website will have links to inspection reports.
State licensing and inspection records
All assisted living communities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania must be licensed by their state health department. Licensing means the community meets minimum standards for staffing, safety, and record-keeping. It does not mean the state has verified that care is good — only that it meets a baseline.
Each state publishes inspection reports online. These reports show whether the community has violations, what those violations were, and whether they have been corrected. You can search for American House communities by name and location on your state health department's website. If you see violations, ask the community directly how they addressed them.
You can also file a complaint with your state health department if you have concerns about care at an American House community. The state will investigate and document the outcome.
What to ask before you move in
Before signing a lease or residency agreement, clarify these points in writing: What is the monthly cost, and what does it include? What services cost extra? What happens if your care needs increase — does the cost go up, and by how much? How much notice do you need to give if you want to leave, and is there a penalty for early departure?
Ask about staffing: How many staff members are on duty during the day and at night? Are there nurses on site, or only care aides? What is the process if you have a medical emergency? Ask about activities and social programs — some communities offer more than others. Ask whether you can bring a pet, and if so, what the rules are.
Get a copy of the residency agreement before you sign it. Read it carefully or have someone you trust read it with you. The agreement should spell out what services are included, what costs extra, how disputes are handled, and under what circumstances the community can ask you to leave.
Alternatives if American House is not the right fit
If American House communities are not available in your area or do not meet your needs, other assisted living options include independent assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, or staying at home with in-home care services. Some areas also have subsidized or low-income assisted living programs run by nonprofits or local housing authorities.
If cost is a barrier, look into whether your state offers Medicaid waiver programs that cover assisted living for people with limited income. Some states also have programs that help pay for in-home care as an alternative to moving to a facility. Your local Area Agency on Aging can point you toward programs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American House accept Medicaid?
Some American House communities are enrolled as Medicaid providers, but not all. You need to contact the specific community you are interested in and ask whether they accept Medicaid. Then confirm with your state's Medicaid office that assisted living is a covered service in your state and that you meet the financial requirements.
What is the difference between American House independent living and assisted living?
Independent living communities are for people who do not need help with daily activities. Assisted living is for people who need help with bathing, dressing, medication management, or other personal care. Some American House campuses have both, so you can move from one to the other if your needs change.
Can I tour an American House community without committing to move in?
Yes. Tours are free and do not obligate you. You can tour multiple communities and take time to decide. Many people tour several places before choosing where to move.
What should I do if I have a complaint about care at an American House community?
First, try to resolve the issue with the community's management. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with your state health department. The state will investigate and document what they find. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging for guidance on how to proceed.
Are there costs beyond the monthly fee?
Yes. The monthly fee covers basics like room, meals, and common areas, but services like specialized memory care, transportation, or additional personal care often cost extra. Always ask for a complete price list and get any additional costs in writing before you move in.