How Much Does Otterbein Cost?

Choosing a life plan community is a big decision – financially as well as emotionally. It’s important to understand what you’ll be paying and if you can afford it.

We’ve answered a few top questions about costs at Otterbein, our price points, your financial options, and more. Read on to hear the facts from LeeAnn Collins, Otterbein SeniorLife Regional Marketing Director.

How Much Does Independent Living at Otterbein Cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because Otterbein offers so many options. In fact, depending on the community you choose, you’ll find a variety of home styles and floor plans to fit any budget.

Otterbein SeniorLife provides a wide array of independent living residences, with monthly rental fees starting around $900. The fees can vary significantly based on size, type of residence, location on campus, and which community in Ohio or central Indiana you choose. Some of our life plan communities offer an entrance-fee option with low monthly fees that offset the initial investment. Please contact the sales and marketing team at the community of your choice for more details.

“We look at each client and their financial picture because everyone’s in a different spot. We want to work with their assets and their income as much as we can,” said Collins.

Monthly fees at several Otterbein communities cover maintenance and utilities (including gas, water, electric, cable, and trash), taxes, access to community programming and events, and more.

What Are My Payment Options?

Our communities typically offer three different payment options:

A monthly rental fee. This agreement option provides the services, amenities, and programming of the community with an all-inclusive, once-a-month 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 services 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.

As you consider the cost of moving to Otterbein, it’s important to compare it with your current costs of living. For instance, you won’t have to pay separate bills for utilities and lawn care because those things are already included with your contract at Otterbein.

Download our free independent living cost comparison guide to learn more.

Can I Pay With Medicare and Medicaid?

Independent living (at communities across the country, not just at Otterbein) is private-pay only. Some residents make use of their long-term care insurance to pay for independent living services, but most pay out-of-pocket.

“We have clients that have long-term care insurance and those who don’t have it. It’s an individual choice,” said Collins.

However, if you move to Otterbein and eventually need long-term care, Medicaid may cover a portion of your stay. And Medicare could help cover the costs of a rehab stay. If you have questions about how these funding sources work, talk to one of our lifestyle counselors.

Contact a senior living counselor with questions >>

What’s the Value of Independent Living at Otterbein?

In addition to the maintenance-free ease of life at Otterbein, varying levels of care are available right on campus.

That’s because Otterbein is a life plan community, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Our life plan communities offer assisted living, post-acute & rehab care, long-term care, and more types of health care services.

You’ll also be a part of a non-profit community. All revenue generated is reinvested in maintaining and improving Otterbein, enabling better control over price increases than for-profit communities.

“If you’re ever going to make a decision like this in your life, going with a life plan community is hands-down the most important,” said Collins.

Learn More About Independent Living at Otterbein

You have questions about life at Otterbein. We have answers.

Send a message to a lifestyle counselor at Otterbein to ask questions and learn more about our communities. We’re always happy to help – just fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

This blog was originally published in 2020 and updated in February 2026.