Nursing Homes in Florida

Florida is well-known as one of the top retirement destinations in the United States, and it has seven out of the 10 best places to retire in the United States. Out of a population of over 21 million people, more than 4 million Floridians are aged 65 and older. 

Florida has several nationally ranked hospitals across many cities, from Miami to Gainesville. Florida also ranks number one for nurse staffing rates among the 10 most populous states. The state has over 600 licensed nursing homes, representing approximately 84,448 beds. With about 72,161 seniors residing in nursing homes, these facilities roughly have an 85% occupancy at any given time. 

In addition to room and board, nursing home facilities provide skilling nursing care, therapies, rehabilitation, personal care and medication 24 hours a day. The average cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home facility is $8,669 per month, and the cost of a private room is $9,817, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020.

This guide covers everything related to nursing home care in Florida, including the average monthly cost, Medicaid eligibility, financial assistance options, free and low-cost services and nursing home rules and regulations.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Florida

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, Florida has a monthly average nursing home care cost of $8,669 for a semi-private room. Compared to neighboring states and the country, Florida has the most expensive option for nursing home care. The national average of nursing home care is $7,756 per month, over $900 less than Florida’s average. The neighboring state of Alabama has a monthly average nursing home cost of $6,540, over $2,000 less than Florida. Georgia’s prices are also less costly at $6,722 per month.

The cost of nursing home care across Florida varies from city to city. In general, the larger cities tend to have some of the highest nursing home care costs in the state. Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida, has an average monthly nursing home care cost of $8,638 per month for a semi-private room, almost on par with the Florida average. Miami and Orlando have nursing home care costs of $9,095 and $9,125, respectively, and Tampa has an average price of just under $10,000 per month. The least expensive nursing home care option in Florida is Sebring, located in the state’s center, with a cost of $7,451. However, despite having a population of less than 30,000, Naples has the most expensive nursing home care cost in Florida at $10,391 per month.

A semi-private room in a nursing home facility is the priciest care option in Florida. Seniors can expect to pay over $4,000 more for a room in a nursing home facility than receiving care in their own home. The least expensive choice in the state is adult day care at $1,408 per month. Assisted living facilities cost half the price of nursing home care at an average of $4,195 per month in Florida.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Florida?

Over five million Floridians are enrolled in Medicaid, which accounts for about 23.2% of the senior population. For enrollees residing in nursing homes, the program can cover the costs of their room and board and laundry services, as well as medical equipment and supplies, general nursing support and social services. It also covers specific medical costs, such as medications and on-site physicians. Florida has over 700 nursing homes, all of which accept Medicaid. They collectively house almost 86,000 beds and provide their residents with hospital-like levels of care 24/7. The Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program helps cover some nursing home care fees, in addition to other costs, such as transportation. Elders in need of skilled nursing care who prefer to remain at home or in the community may be eligible for the Long-Term Care Waiver Program.

Medicaid Eligibility in Florida

The applicant must satisfy certain financial and medical criteria to be eligible for Medicaid. A registered nurse and/or assessor from the nearest Aging and Disability Resource Center conducts a medical screening session by phone, which typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. The senior’s score determines their medical eligibility and position on the waiting list, with higher scores taking priority over lower ones already listed. The Department of Children and Families conducts the financial assessment. 

As of 2022, a single applicant can have an annual income of up to $11,964 and assets not exceeding $5,000. For a two-person household, the figures are $16,116 and $6,000. However, if only one person from the household applies, the spouse remaining at home can retain assets of up to $137,400 if the applicant is in a nursing home or in receipt of a Home and Community Based Waiver.

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Florida

To qualify as of 2022, the applicant must:

• Be an American citizen or legal resident
• Reside in Florida
• Have an annual income of no more than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate
• Be aged 65 or older
• Own countable assets of up to $2,000, if unmarried, or up to $137,400, if the applicant has a spouse

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

Seniors have several options for applying for Medicaid in Florida. They can go online to the ACCESS Florida website, call the ACCESS Florida Customer Call Center at (850) 300-4323, post their application to P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, FL, 34478-1770 or visit their local ACCESS Service Center. Applicants should prepare all necessary documentation prior to applying. The process can take up to three months but may take longer if the documentation provided is insufficient. 

What Information You Will Need:

• Social Security and Medicare cards
• Copy of birth certificate
• Bank statements for the previous 60 months before the application date, including for closed accounts
• Proof of income for the previous 60 months before the application date (including 1099s)
• Verification of pension income, which must include a letter from the pension provider
• Proof of citizenship, if born outside the United States
• Copies of life insurance documents
• Property deeds
• Proof of any real property sold or transferred in the 60 months before the application date
• Car registration or title, including insurance documentation
• Preneed burial contracts
• VA discharge papers (DD 214) if the applicant is a veteran
• If applicable, copies of power of attorney, final will and trust documents
• Any other documentation the applicant thinks may support their claim

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Florida

The following list contains contact details and a short bio about free resources in Florida dedicated to helping families navigate the often complicated processes surrounding Medicaid applications. 

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Florida?

Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery.

Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:

• Meals
• A semiprivate room
• Medications
• Skilled nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Audiologist care
• Medical supplies
• Medical social services
• Nutritional counseling
• Ambulance transportation

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.

For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.

Medicare Support and Resources in Florida

Families considering nursing home care for their loved ones may wonder if Medicare can meet some of their costs. Although health insurance can’t help in the long term, it may provide initial assistance. Trained advisors associated with the organizations listed here may be able to provide families with information and guidance pertinent to their unique situations.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Florida

While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Florida

Families and elders considering nursing home care can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the often complex processes they need to navigate to find the best solutions for their needs. Fortunately, a wealth of free and subsidized resources throughout the state can help demystify the system and ease the transition into long-term care. 

COVID-19 Rules for
Nursing Homes in Florida

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including floridahealthcovid19.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/3/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Florida