Otterbein Cost Guide
How Much Does Otterbein Cost?
Discover the Value of Senior Living
Otterbein SeniorLife Costs
Otterbein provides a wide array of living options at varying monthly rental fees, often comparable to your home expenses. In many cases, living at Otterbein is no more expensive than the cumulative costs of living at your current residence. To provide you with additional information about costs, payment options, and the value of living at Otterbein, we’ve answered several top questions about costs.
Independent Living
Monthly Rental Fees
Otterbein SeniorLife monthly rental fees vary based on a number of factors, including the size of the home or apartment, type of residence, location on campus, life plan contract option, and the community you choose.
The monthly rental fee includes virtually all of the independent living services you would ordinarily fund — rent, interior and exterior maintenance (including all appliances), utilities (most locations), security, some transportation, and access to numerous activities and services. Some communities include meal plans, while others offer meals at reasonable prices.
Remember to compare living at Otterbein with your current costs of living. For instance, you won’t have to pay separate bills for maintenance repairs, lawn care, and snow removal because those things are already included with your contract at Otterbein.
Even though Otterbein is a non-profit organization, we are still subject to typical inflationary cost increases. Annual rental fee increases typically range from zero to three percent, but feel free to ask your Otterbein contact for the recent fee increase history in your community of choice.
For the most accurate details and prices, find a location near you.
Otterbein SeniorLife Community
Payment Options
Otterbein lifestyle counselors will work with you and present data from an external financial consultant to help you determine which payment option is best for you. Our communities typically offer three different payment options:
- A monthly rental fee. This agreement option provides access to the community’s services, amenities, and activities for an all-inclusive monthly fee. No entrance fee of any kind is required.
- A 100 percent refundable entrance fee. With this option – that isn’t offered by most other life plan communities – you’re eligible to receive 100 percent of your entrance fee back if you leave the community. This entrance fee also reduces the monthly rental fee you’ll pay.
- A refundable life use fee (RLUF). Choose how much you want to invest as a down payment. The balance depreciates over the time you live at Otterbein and is not refundable, but the allowable credit will apply in all levels of care for as long as you reside in the community.
Keep in mind that your funds are secure and financially stable with Otterbein. We are a leading non-profit senior living organization in the U.S., operating for over 110 years. Otterbein SeniorLife has received an “A” investment rating (2025) from Standard and Poor’s (S&P), a rating few other non-profits hold, demonstrating its stability and financial security.
Many times families want to know if they can pay for independent living with Medicare or Medicaid. Independent living at Otterbein is private pay only, just like all other independent living communities across the country. Some residents use their long-term care insurance to help pay for independent living services, but most pay out-of-pocket.
However, if you move to Otterbein and later require rehab or long-term care, you may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. If you have questions about how these funding sources work, talk to one of our lifestyle counselors at our community of choice.
Exploring the Value of a Life Plan Community/CCRC
At Otterbein, you can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while having access to various levels of care right on campus. Many of our communities are life plan communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which provide a range of services, including assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, memory care and support services, and long-term care, among others.
This setup offers you and your family peace of mind, knowing that your needs will always be met in one convenient location. Additionally, you will be part of a non-profit community. All revenue generated goes back into maintaining and improving Otterbein, allowing for better control over price increases compared to for-profit communities.
For the most accurate details and prices, find a location near you.
Your Guide to Planning and Paying for Independent Living
Download this 3-step planning guide to evaluate your financial situation, identify the right community, and explore common payment options.
