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Nursing Homes in Kansas
Kansas is known for its acres of plains and farmland, and its population of 2.9 million people is not one of the densest in the country, yet Kansas has a high percentage of seniors that call the state home. Approximately 16.3% of the population, or 474,000 people, is aged 65 and older. Kansas has over 300 nursing homes and a number of health care facilities, including the University of Kansas Hospital, which ranks 29th in the nation for geriatric care by U.S. News & World Report.
Frail seniors who need around-the-clock supervision and nursing care can receive that in a nursing home. The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey indicates the average cost for nursing home care in a semiprivate room in Kansas is $6,692 a month. Families who wish to use a private room for their loved ones will pay a little more at $7,092 a month.
This guide provides information about nursing home care and costs throughout the state of Kansas, as well as information about how to use Medicaid to pay for nursing home care for an elderly loved one. It also gives helpful resources for caregivers and elderly seniors in Kansas.
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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Kansas
The national average for nursing home care in a semiprivate room is $7,756 a month, while seniors in Kansas pay a lower average of $6,692 or 13% less. Surrounding states show Kansas to be right in the middle of the region. In Oklahoma, the cost is lower at $5,323, and the same is true for Missouri, which has a median cost of $5,080. However, in Nebraska seniors pay more at $7,194. Colorado is much higher with an average of $8,517.
The cost for nursing home care changes based on the city the senior resides in. Lawrence, near the Missouri state line, has the highest average of $7,863, over $1,000 more than the state average. In contrast, Manhattan has the lowest average at $5,735, making it an affordable choice for families seeking nursing home care. In Topeka, seniors pay close to the state average with a cost of $7,612. Toward the middle of the state in Wichita, the average is $6,829. The Kansas City metro area, which also includes parts of Kansas City, Missouri, averages $6,844.
Lawrence
$7863
Topeka
$7612
Kansas City, MO
$6844
Wichita
$6829
Manhattan
$5735
Seniors in Kansas can choose a range of care options in addition to nursing home care. Some may opt for in-home care, while others need home health care. Adult day care and assisted living care are also options. Of these, nursing home care is the most costly. Seniors who choose to age at home may need help with housekeeping and general personal care, which requires home care service. This averages $4,157 a month. Home health care, which averages $4,195 a month in Kansas, includes additional medical care. Assisted living care provides some nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living. This costs an average of $5,090. For adult day care, which provides senior care at a congregate location during daytime hours only, the average is $1,733.
In-Home Care
$4147
Home Health Care
$4195
Adult Day Care
$1733
Assisted Living Care
$5090
Nursing Home Care
$7756
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Kansas?
More than 458,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Kansas, an increase of almost 22% since 2013. Seniors living in nursing homes may use their Medicaid policies to help cover the cost of their room and board, as well as some additional services such as laundry or added nursing support. Some medical equipment and supplies may also be covered. Kansas Medicaid also helps to pay for social services and transportation to medical appointments as needed.
There are more than 300 nursing homes in Kansas, and all accept Medicaid for at least some of the services they provide. KanCare is the state program responsible for managing the Medicaid program, with three private insurance companies under its auspices: Aetna, United Healthcare and Sunflower State Health Plan. Because Medicaid coverage varies by person, caseworkers are available to help seniors choose the nursing home that works best for their specific coverage parameters.
Medicaid Eligibility in Kansas
Financial eligibility requirements depend on income levels as well as the assets that applicants own either as individuals or as couples. There is no income limit for singles or couples to be eligible, but all income over $62 per month must be applied to the cost of the care.
Individual applicants are allowed up to $2,000 in countable assets, and couples who are both applying are allowed to keep up to $3,000 in assets.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | No Income Limit | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | No Income Limit | $3,000 |
* Income in excess of $62/mo. must go toward nursing home costs. There are exceptions for private health insurance and potentially a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
To qualify for Medicaid in Kansas, applicants must:
- Be a state resident
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
- Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
- Be blind
How to Apply for Medicaid in Kansas
There are several options to apply for Medicaid in Kansas. Seniors can go online to the KanCare website or call the toll-free number 800-792-4884. They can also submit applications via fax to 844-264-6285.
Information You Will Need:
- Social Security card
- Copy of birth certificate
- Proof of income
- Proof of citizenship (if not born in the U.S.)
- Copy of property deed/tax statements
- Life insurance information
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Kansas
Seniors and their families can get help applying for Medicaid through several resources listed below.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Consumer Assistance | (800) 432-2484 | This program offers information about the state's Medicaid program, including outlining how to apply and what resources are available for those who may need extra assistance with this process. |
| Kansas Assistance Network | (913) 228-2951 | Kansas Assistance Network provides hands-on help to those interested in applying for Medicaid. It details the requirements of the Medicaid program and goes over eligibility requirements as well. |
| Benefits.gov | (800) 792-4884 | This website provides pertinent information about eligibility requirements for Kansas Medicaid. It gives contact info to learn more about the application process and links to resources for assistance. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Kansas?
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 Kansas
Those in need of nursing home care for their loved ones may be interested in the ways in which Medicare can help to pay for some of the costs. While health insurance is an ideal choice for the interim, there are other resources that may be useful for longer-term solutions. For this reason, it is best to turn to the experts for assistance.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | Medicare.gov is a good place to start to find out general information about what Medicare covers and what information is required to enroll in the program. This federal website is full of information about state-specific requirements and benefits as well as links to phone numbers and websites to help with the enrollment process. It also has a live chat feature so that those with questions can access help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Program | (800) 860-5260 | The SHICK program is a free service offered to Kansas seniors, with community volunteers offering information and assistance with answering questions about Medicare and other senior programs. The program also provides key resources to help with Medicare and long-term care decision-making. |
| Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol | (800) 432-3535 | This program provides education to seniors and their loved ones on Medicare fraud and abuse so that they can report any issues they may have in this area. Program workers show seniors how to protect themselves in terms of identity and policy information within the Medicare system, and what to do if they suspect something amiss. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Kansas
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 Kansas
There are many resources in Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities | 785-267-1336 | The Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities is a statewide network of 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers. These federally mandated centers are designed to ensure seniors aged 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, have access to information on state and federal benefits that can be used toward assisted living costs. Staff at each regional center can also help seniors locate local community-based services, such as home meal delivery programs, accessible transportation services and case management. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas 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. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Kansas seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Frail Elderly Waiver | 855-200-2372 | The Frail Elderly Waiver is a KanCare waiver administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This waiver provides alternatives to nursing home care, giving seniors critical options. The Frail Elderly Waiver is available to older Kansans who have been determined to require a nursing home level of care but who wish to remain in their own homes, in family homes or in assisted living centers that do not provide skilled nursing care. One of the program's biggest benefits is that recipients have a large degree of self-direction over how the funds are spent. Once a senior is approved for the program, they can choose the level of care they need and how much they want to spend on it. Because Kansas allows individuals to provide personal or attendant care without possessing specific education or experience, seniors can even use the Frail Elderly Waiver funds to hire family or friends to fill such roles. |
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 Kansas seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program | 888-369-4777 | Kansas Food Assistance & Nutrition Program is a state-sponsored initiative that aims to supply low-income seniors with the means of accessing a healthy, balanced diet. Eligible seniors and their household members must demonstrate financial duress in the form of a household bank balance not exceeding $3,500 ($2,250 for singles). Applications are submitted online, and successful recipients receive a benefits card that can be used at local grocery stores to purchase produce and nonperishable food items. |
| Kansas Food Bank | 316-265-3663 | Kansas Food Bank oversees food pantries in all Kansas counties to support food-insecure seniors. Each food pantry sets eligibility guidelines based on age and income level. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which operates in 28 counties, offers balance diet boxes containing well-balanced, nutritional food items for seniors. Additionally, seniors in 26 counties can apply for the Bob Box, named after Senator Bob Dole, through the Kansas Food Bank. These boxes provide seniors with food staples that help them prepare meals. |
| Kansas Meals on Wheels | Kansas Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals for seniors throughout the state. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and be homebound, isolated or unable to receive a meal in a group setting. Homebound seniors' meals are free, but a donation is requested If the senior can afford one. Delivered meals are $4 for non-homebound seniors. Volunteers drop off hot, nutritious meals daily. Additionally, Kansas seniors can visit a local dining center for a meal. | |
| Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 888-369-4777 | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
| Meneilly Center | 913-671-2315 | Staffed by over 150 volunteers, the Kansas Village Church Food Pantry provides free food, clothing, personal care items and cleaning products for seniors and others in need. There's no residency requirement for assistance, although program participants must make an appointment in advance. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program | 620-421-8367 | The Kansas Equipment Exchange Reuse program provides high-quality and gently used durable medical equipment to seniors who have medical and financial needs. Inventory list typically features items such as manual and electric wheelchairs, patient lifts, hospital beds, shower chairs, specialty commodes, walkers and more. |
| Medical Equipment Recycling Network | 316-942-6300 | The Medical Equipment Recycling Network provides durable medical equipment to seniors. Program staff then inspects the equipment, ensures it is clean and in top working order, and makes it available to qualifying individuals. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas FamilyWize | 785-827-1312 | United Way Salina works with FamilyWize to provide drug discount cards that offer low-income individuals discounts of up to 75% on their medications. These cards are available to anyone who is on a low income and needs assistance covering the costs of prescription medications. Seniors can use the card to receive discounts on the price of FDA-approved medications that aren't covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other plans. |
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 Kansas have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides up to $10,000 in grants or $40,000 in low-interest home repair loans to low-income seniors in rural parts of Kansas. This money can be used to perform home repairs that eliminate health and safety hazards. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Kansas seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Senior Citizen Law Project | 888-353-5337 | Available to all older residents of Kansas, the Senior Citizen Law Project provides free legal advice on a range of pertinent issues. Areas of law include elder neglect and abuse, public benefits and health insurance, medical rights, long-term care and consumer affairs. The organization also assists seniors with life and estate planning matters, such as wills. Seniors aged 60 and older can contact a legal advisor via the statewide Elder Law Hotline. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Kansas bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Health Care Association (KHCA) | 785-267-6003 | Kansas Health Care Association operates the Kansas Center for Assisted Living. Over 260 nonprofit and for-profit assisted living communities are represented by this organization. KHCA deals with many aspects of long-term senior care, including licensure and advocating for better health care. This association sits on SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka and can be reached by phone to inquire about services at (785) 267-6003 or email at khca@khca.org. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas 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 Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors Program | 785-368-8222 | The Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors program provides a property tax refund of 75 percent of the total taxes paid or to be paid during a given year, effectively shrinking the property tax liability of qualifying seniors to one-fourth of their home's actual tax assessment. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Kansas retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-432-0043 | The Low Income Energy Assistance Program assists low-income Kansans, including seniors, who are facing difficulty paying their energy bills. The program also offers emergency assistance to homeowners who are facing impending electricity shutoff. |
Veteran's Services
Kansas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas VA Benefits and Health Care | The Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a food assistance service, helps low-income seniors secure nutritious foods. Seniors must meet income requirements to qualify. The guidelines consider resources, such as cash and checking and savings account balances, in addition to income. Seniors ages 60 and up must have $4,250 or less in resources to qualify for the program. Qualifying seniors receive a Kansas benefits card (EBT card) to purchase food at local grocers and some online stores. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Kansas
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | All adult care homes, including nursing homes, must be licensed. Licensure comes from the Secretary of Aging and Disability Services. |
| Staffing Requirements | Kansas Administrative Regulation requires nursing homes to have sufficient staff to provide 2.0 hours of direct care per resident on average. This also requires no less than 1.85 hours in any 24-hour period. Nursing care is given by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or certified nurse aides. The nursing home must have one nursing staff member for every 30 residents. In addition, a licensed nurse must be on hand at all times, with at least two nursing personnel on duty at all times in the facility. |
| Staff Training Requirements | SNFs in Kansas must provide training for each staff member, as well as in-service training. Records of that training must be maintained in the personnel records. |
| Admission Restrictions | It is unlawful for an SNF to admit any resident that has a condition or disease the home is not authorized to treat or care for. All homes must have a written admissions policy. Nursing home residents can only be admitted if they are under the care of a physician who deems they need skilled nursing care. |
| Care Planning Requirements | SNFs are required to create a personal care plan for every resident they admit. This plan will outline objectives and timetables for:Physical needsPsychosocial needsMental needsThese needs are based on a comprehensive assessment done at the time of admission. Care plans must be in place within seven days of the initial assessment, and they will be created by an interdisciplinary team including a physician, registered nurse and the resident's legal representative and family. |
| Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements | Safe, nourishing meals must be provided and must be planned with a licensed dietitian's help. Menus that meet the nutritional needs of all residents, including their unique needs on their care plans, are required. Menus are published at least two weeks before being served, and no less than 20% of the resident’s total calorie intake will be served at one meal. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Nursing homes must provide specialized rehabilitation services for residents. If they cannot provide them, then they must arrange for them outside of the facility. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology and speech-language pathology. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Nursing homes will arrange for the procurement and administration of drugs and biologicals to care for residents. This requires the supervision of a pharmacist. All prescriptions will be labeled with dosage and medication. Medications must be stored in safe, sanitary conditions at temperatures that do not exceed 85 degrees. |
| Activities Requirements | The nursing home should provide residents with the opportunity to pursue activities that are of interest to them. The facility must also have a qualified activities director on staff who creates a program of activities to meet the physical, mental and social needs of residents. |
| Infection Control Requirements | All nursing homes have to have an infection control program in writing that ensures proper care is taken if a resident presents with an infectious disease. This program must follow the current CDC guidelines. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Medicaid can be used to pay for nursing home care at Medicaid-approved facilities in Kansas. Seniors who meet income and asset qualifications can use their Medicaid benefit to pay for the cost of their care. |
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