My mother-in-law needs to move to assisted living, but we don't know how to pay for it. Where do we begin?

Did FIL work for the government? Did she work and if so for 10 yrs or more. Did FIL work any jobs for 10 yrs or more and pay into SS? If so to either or both, she is entitled to SS. Do you mean Medicare? Medicaid is a state thing. If no Medicare/Medicaid what type of insurance does she have?

ALs are usually private pay and run, on average, 5k or more a month. In NJ, you have to private pay for at least 2 yrs before Medicaid will pay. Your other option is to find a very nice NH and apply for Medicaid in ur state to help cover the cost.

Has she actually applied for Medicaid assistance and been denied? Nebraska has a special waiver for aged and disabled people that pays for assisted living. While she may not qualify for the Medicaid health insurance, she can still qualify for other Medicaid programs. She may have to do a spend down.