room and board

In 1937, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps, which got him out on his own: farmwork for room and board, clothing and a salary.

Answer: Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, typically doesn’t cover the room and board costs of assisted living, but many states offer Medicaid waivers that pay some assisted living expenses.

Lewis notes the other challenges people face: underestimating costs and not considering room and board, books, fees and other expenses; not having an emergency savings account; and disregarding loans, grants and other ways to pay for college.

“It’s like a utopia,” Su said, who pays about $420 a month for room and board, cheaper than his monthly rent in Beijing.

Instead of employees, they enlist volunteers who help with chores in return for free room and board.