A September 3, 2026, issue brief on assisted living, published by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Library of Congress’ nonpartisan research institute, presents an overview of the assisted living sector.

Dubbed an “In Focus” product type, this is the latest update of eight versions published on Congress.gov. While the report does not make policy recommendations, it provides background information that could inform future oversight activities, hearings, or legislative proposals relating to assisted living.

Similar in structure to previous briefs, this latest outlines assisted living’s role in the long-term services and supports continuum, explains how assisted living is regulated— primarily at the state level rather than by the federal government—and describes funding sources (i.e., private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, etc.)

The brief also highlights variation across states in licensing requirements, resident eligibility standards, staffing requirements, and the services providers may offer.

In addition, CRS covers Medicaid’s role in helping some lower-income older adults access assisted living services through home- and community-based services programs and waivers.

While we do not anticipate significant federal legislative activity in this area in the near term, the report offers insight into the issues congressional offices are examining and could help signal topics that may receive greater attention in future policy discussions. 

By law, CRS serves as Congress’s nonpartisan research arm, producing objective policy analysis and background materials at the request of Members of Congress and congressional committees. CRS products range from comprehensive reports that examine an issue in depth to these shorter “In Focus” briefs designed to give policymakers a concise, high-level overview of a topic. While the brief does not identify the requesting office or the reason for the request, its publication reflects continued congressional interest in long-term services and supports more broadly.