Nursing Homes in Idaho

With a population of nearly 1.8 million people, Idaho has a lot to offer residents, including stunning scenery and lower-than-average costs for health care. Many people choose to settle down and retire in the state, as 16.3% of the population is aged 65 and older. To help these individuals with their long-term care needs, the state of Idaho has 82 nursing homes available to serve the aging population.

In these nursing homes, seniors receive around-the-clock supervision and skilled nursing professionals are on hand to provide needed care. The average cost for care in a semiprivate room in an Idaho nursing home is $8,669 a month, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Seniors who prefer a private room can expect to pay an average of $9,125 per month.

This guide will help seniors and their families find the right nursing home care, outline ways to pay for that care and showcase resources that can help seniors stay healthy and well as they age in Idaho.

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Idaho

Idaho is an fairly average state when it comes to the cost of nursing home care. For a semiprivate room, Idaho residents pay an average of $8,669 per month, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This is right in the middle compared to costs in surrounding states. Washington and Oregon have considerably higher costs of $9,581 and $10,114, respectively. This level of care costs significantly less in Utah and Montana, where the respective averages are $6,388 and $7,665. The cost of nursing home care in Idaho is also notably higher than the United States average of $7,756 per month.

The cost of nursing home care in Idaho varies depending on where a senior chooses to retire. In Coeur d’Alene in the northern part of the state, the average is very close to the state average. Here, seniors pay $8,638 a month for nursing home care. In Twin Falls the cost is similar, but a little higher, at $8,836. Boise has the highest average in the state at $9,125, while Lewiston has the lowest at $7,254 per month. Idaho Falls is also on the high end at $9,064, while in Pocatello, seniors pay just $8,213.

Boise

$9125

Idaho Falls

$9064

Coeur d’Alene

$8638

Twin Falls

$8836

Pocatello

$8213

Lewiston

$7254

Nursing home care is one of several options for care in Idaho. Seniors who don’t require 24/7 supervision or skilled nursing care may opt to live in an assisted living community. The average cost for this type of care is $3,675 a month. The most affordable option is adult day care, which averages $2,297 per month. Both home care and home health care average $4,481 a month, based on 44 hours of care a week. Home care can allow seniors to age in place with a little extra assistance, and home health care includes basic medical care. All of these care options are considerably less expensive than nursing home care, which averages $8,669 a month.

In-Home Care

$4481

Home Health Care

$4481

Adult Day Care

$2297

Assisted Living Facility

$3675

Nursing Home Care

$8669

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Idaho?

Idaho Medicaid covers the costs associated with nursing home care for eligible individuals in a Medicaid-approved facility. Items that may be covered include the cost of room and board, housekeeping, grooming, bathing, toileting and general nursing. As of September 2021, approximately 398,309 individuals were enrolled in Idaho Medicaid, and that number rose by nearly 68%, up from 160,159, in the past eight years.

To accommodate those who require nursing home care, the state has a total of 79 facilities with approximately 4,312 beds. As an alternative to nursing home care, the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Aged and Disabled Waiver pays for services for individuals who want to receive care at home and delay entry into a nursing home. The program isn’t an entitlement program, so only a limited number of seniors are accepted to receive the waiver. The waiver pays for services like adult day care, homemaker services and home modifications.

Medicaid Eligibility in Idaho

Medicaid eligibility requires specific income requirements. Typically, seniors eligible for Medicaid must have an income that falls below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a single applicant, this amount is $33,144 per year or $2,762 per month. This amount also applies to a two-person household where only one individual applies. The non-applicant may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) under the spousal impoverishment provision to prevent financial hardships.

For a two-person household when both individuals apply, the income limit is $66,048 per year or $5,524 per month.

Household Size	Number of Applicants	Income Limits Per Year*	Asset Limits: Applicant(s)	Asset Limits: Non-Applicants
One Person	1	$33,144	$2,000
Two People	1	$33,144**	$2,000	$148,620
Two People	2	$66,048	$4,000***

*All monthly income except for a $40/mo. personal needs allowance and Medicare premiums must be paid to the facility as a share of cost. There may also be a monthly needs allowance for a non-applicant spouse.

**Income limit is for applicant only.

***The limit is $2,000 each but may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Other Medicaid eligibility criteria includes:

Live in Idaho
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be 65 years of age or older or have a qualifying disability

How to Apply for Medicaid in Idaho

Individuals interested in applying for Idaho Medicaid may submit an application online at Idalink. Applications are also accepted in person at any local Department of Health and Welfare field office or by calling the agency at (877) 456-1233. To apply by mail, download an application and mail it to a local field office or fax it to (866) 434-8278. Applications may also be submitted via email to MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.

Information You Will Need:

Copy of birth certificate
Proof of citizenship, if born outside the United States
Government issued photo ID
Social Security number
Bank statements for the past 60 days
Proof of income for the past 60 days
Verification of retirement income and accounts
Copy of life insurance
Property deeds and titles
Legal documents for power of attorney, wills and trusts
VA discharge papers for veterans
Additional documentation to support an individual claim

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Idaho

Several resources are available to help seniors and other individuals get answers to questions concerning Medicaid and other health insurance. These resources may also provide application assistance and offer the ability to make changes and check on the status.

Resource	Contact	Service
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare	(877) 456-1233	The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare assists individuals when applying for benefits. The official website features an online portal for applying for insurance, plus some additional benefits for low-income households. Case workers also answer questions concerning coverage and eligibility and can direct individuals with educational materials on health and planning.
Benefits.gov	(877) 456-1233	Benefits.gov was launched by the federal government to help citizens navigate the choices for government benefits. The site helps seniors determine their eligibility and makes it possible to make adjustments to applications and to check the status.
Healthinsurance.org	(866) 682-3017	Healthinsurance.org is a consumer information site that provides information about public health insurance and health reform. Individuals may contact a licensed agent who can answer questions concerning coverage and eligibility.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Idaho?

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 Idaho

Medicare applicants in Idaho can receive assistance when applying for help through several free agencies in the state. Trained counselors can help applicants navigate the available choices and decide whether additional help is needed when paying for nursing home care.

Program	Contact	Service
Medicare.gov	(800) 633-4227	Medicare.gov is the number one site to go to for answers to questions regarding Medicare rights, costs and available plans. This government website provides trained counselors, forms, a Medicare handbook and other resources that assist during the application process.
Idaho Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)	(208) 334-4250	SHIBA helps Idaho seniors by offering free, unbiased Medicare information and assistance through workshops, personal counseling and group presentations available via the internet, webinars and on the phone. SHIBA is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare	(877) 456-1233	The Department of Health and Welfare helps seniors and individuals understand the available Medicare programs and services. The department also connects seniors with waiver programs and other insurance options that help pay for long-term care.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Idaho

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.

Name	How To Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Learn more and apply online at va.gov.	Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
Reverse Mortgages	Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.	Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Idaho

There are many resources in Idaho that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Area Agencies on Aging		Idaho's senior population can seek answers, advice and support services from six Area Agencies on Aging located throughout the state. These agencies are intended as the first point of contact for seniors (60+), caregivers and family members who need help navigating the various federal, state and local services available. These services include transportation, home-delivered meals, wellness clinics and recreational opportunities. In Idaho, the six AAAs are also the designated Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Idaho provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Lifeline Program	800-234-9473	The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Idaho seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)	208-336-9643	Idaho Commodity Supplemental Food Program is an initiative providing nutrition assistance to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. The program aims to improve the overall health and dietary intake of vulnerable seniors and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Through CSFP, seniors receive monthly food packages containing nutritious staples, including canned fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and proteins, ensuring recipients have access to well-balanced meals. Shelf-stable items such as ready-to-eat cereals, rice, pasta and peanut butter may also be included.
Idaho Congregate Meals		Idaho congregate meals are available at senior centers throughout the state, providing food-insecure seniors with access to regular meals. Seniors can visit these sites to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal with other residents. Each senior center follows a different schedule, so interested Idaho residents should contact their local center to learn when meals are available. Many of these programs also offer delivered meals for homebound seniors who can't easily visit a congregate setting.
Idaho Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)	208-375-7382	In coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture, Idaho's Emergency Food Assistance Program provides food for low-income seniors and others in the state who meet certain annual and monthly income limits. Food is delivered at a local level through Emergency Feeding Organizations at food banks, soup kitchens and pantries. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have an income that is 250% or less than the federal poverty line. Each local agency may have its own documentation requirements.
Idaho Meals on Wheels		Idaho Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-supported organization that provides home-delivered meals to seniors throughout the state. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday, with additional frozen meals available for the weekend. Homebound seniors ages 60 and older can apply for meals through their local Meals on Wheels organization or Senior Services Agency.
Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)	877-456-1233	Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps Idaho seniors and low-income families obtain healthy food. Formerly known as food stamps, this program provides seniors with an electronic benefits transfer card loaded with money from their SNAP account to purchase eligible food items, including bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry and dairy products. Eligibility for SNAP is based on residency, income and assets. Immediate food assistance is available within 7 days for those who are eligible.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Idaho collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)	800-432-8324	IATP facilitates the Idaho AT4ALL Exchange, which allows people to buy and sell used equipment. The program lists some available equipment for free. The organization also loans equipment and has financial loans available to help people finance DME purchases.
Idaho Living Independence Network Connection (LINC)	208-336-3335	LINC mainly offers equipment loans for a wide range of products, including wheelchairs, walkers and bath seats. It may also provide a free option for some people and can help individuals access loans and financing.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Idaho seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)	800-247-4422	SHIBA is a free program managed by the Idaho Department of Insurance that provides seniors in Sandpoint with information and advice on various health insurance options. Those old enough to apply for Medicare can get detailed information from the advisors, who can also suggest suitable private health insurance to cover any shortfalls in their state health insurance plans. As the advisors are unbiased, seniors needn't worry about being sold policies. The advisors can also support those denied Medicare by helping them draft and submit their appeals.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Idaho have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Rural Development State Office	800-292-8293	The Section 504 Repair Program provides single-family housing repair and loans and grants. It's offered in rural Idaho by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Low-interest loans of up to $40,000 are available, but people aged 62 and over may qualify for a grant of up to $10,000. Recipients can combine grants and loans to provide $50,000 in funding.
Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)	877-375-7382	WAP is another program offered by local CAPs. Qualified homeowners and renters can get a range of repairs and improvements to enhance the energy efficiency of their home, including insulation installation, heating system testing and minor repairs.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Idaho help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Commission on Aging	877-471-2777	The Idaho Commission on Aging administers a wide range of programs to promote healthy, safe aging. These include senior nutrition services, congregate meals, transportation, case management, legal advice and relief services for unpaid caregivers. Adult Protective Services are available to those who have experienced abuse or neglect, and Senior Medicare Patrol helps beneficiaries combat fraud and billing errors. Many of these programs are administered by the state's Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Area Agencies on Aging.
Idaho Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)	208-454-8555	The Senior Community Service Employment Program connects low-income adults 55 and older with training and employment opportunities should they wish to reenter the workforce. The program connects them to the training they need to gain real-world work skills.

Social Security offices in Idaho help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Social Security		Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Idaho resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho State Tax Commission	208-334‑7736	Idaho's Property Tax Reduction program is also known as the Circuit Breaker program. It reduces property taxes for eligible homeowners by up to $1,500, depending on income. Idaho also has a property tax deferral program, allowing people to defer taxes on property and up to one acre of land. The participant must pay these taxes when the property ownership changes or it no longer qualifies for deferral.

Veteran's Services

Idaho retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Idaho Veteran Services		Idaho Veteran Services offers specialized health care and social assistance for seniors aged 65 and over. Senior veterans in Idaho can receive quality care through outpatient locations and clinics in Kootenai, Mountain Home and Salmon, as well as at a full-service medical center in Boise. The agency offers funding for in-home care, support with daily living activities, visiting nurses and skilled nursing and memory care placement.

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Idaho

Topic	Rule
Licensing Requirements	Nursing homes must be licensed with the Department of Health and Welfare. Nursing homes must apply for their licenses at least three months before their opening date. Renewals must be applied for within 30 days of expiration.
Staffing Requirements	All nursing homes in Idaho must employ a director of nursing services. They also must have a supervising nurse and a charge nurse on staff. If the average occupancy is 90 or more residents, then the facility must have a registered nurse on duty at all times.Additionally, facilities in Idaho must have enough staff to provide 2.4 hours of nursing care per resident each day. At least two nursing staff members must be on duty at all times, as well. Only licensed nursing professionals can cover these required nursing hours.
Staff Training Requirements	Nursing home staff must meet the minimum training requirements for their required licenses, but there are no stated staff training requirements for nursing home facilities.
Admission Restrictions	Facilities must have written admission requirements and policies. They may only admit residents they have the capacity to care for appropriately.
Care Planning Requirements	A director of nursing services must create a written, individualized care plan for each resident of the nursing home. The care plan must be based on the needs of the resident, and regular reviews are required to ensure it stays up to date.
Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements	The Department of Health and Welfare publishes an approved diet manual that nursing homes must follow. All menus must be prepared at least one week prior to serving the food, and they must be kept on file for at least 30 days. Menus must provide varied, adequate food to meet the dietary needs of residents and should account for seasonal changes.
Specialized Rehabilitative Services	Physical and occupational therapy must be provided on-site at skilled nursing facilities. Other types of specialized rehabilitative services may be met through outside care providers, but facilities should make arrangements to have these services provided as required for residents in their care.
Medication and Pharmaceutical Services	Only licensed nurses can dispense medications and only with a written order from a doctor. Before giving a medication, the nurse must identify the resident and ensure the medication matches the resident. All medications must be stored safely and labeled with the name of the person they're prescribed for. SNFs must work with a licensed pharmacist to provide medications for patients.
Activities Requirements	Skilled nursing facilities must plan funding for their activities programs, and this funding can't be required from residents. Facilities must also provide services to meet the social and emotional needs of residents.
Infection Control Requirements	Facilities must maintain at least one isolation room with private restroom facilities to safely care for residents who have communicable diseases.
Medicaid Coverage	Nursing home care may be covered by Idaho Medicaid provided the facility complies with Medicare requirements. Individuals must meet the state's income and asset limits.

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