Nursing Homes in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to 5,639,632 residents, and seniors aged 65 and older make up 16.3% of the state’s population. The number of older adults living in the state is expected to increase in the coming years, and by 2030, one in five Minnesotans will be a senior. 

Of the state’s 919,260 elders, over 23,000 now reside in nursing homes. These highly specialized facilities provide 24/7 skilled nursing care for those with care needs that can’t be supported in a less-restrictive setting. Minnesota seniors who require long-term care may qualify for benefits through Minnesota’s Medicaid program, which covers some nursing home costs for eligible seniors. Statewide, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home is $12,025 per month, while a semiprivate room costs an average of $11,026. This guide covers the basics of nursing home care in Minnesota, including long-term care rates, Medicaid coverage for nursing home care and alternative financing sources. There’s also a summary of the state regulations for nursing homes and a list of free community resources for those who require skilled nursing care. 

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Minnesota

At a monthly average cost of $11,026, nursing home care rates in Minnesota are high in comparison to the national average and rates in most neighboring states. Nationwide, nursing home rates run about $7,756 per month, $3,270 below rates in Minnesota. Rates are also much lower in neighboring Wisconsin ($8,684), Iowa ($6,570) and South Dakota ($7,011). Of the four states bordering Minnesota, only North Dakota has higher nursing home costs at $12,167. 

Within Minnesota, nursing home rates range from $9,730 per month in Rochester up to a high of $12,767 in St. Cloud. Costs are just above the state average in Minneapolis ($11,285) and Mankato ($11,482), while nursing home care is somewhat more affordable in Duluth, where monthly rates run about $10,437. 

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide the highest level of long-term care for those who require 24/7 medical supervision and support, and that’s why nursing home care is the most expensive care option. Seniors who don’t require the type of medical care that’s available in a nursing home may find that they can safely reside in an assisted living facility, and this type of residential care costs an average of $4,283 per month in Minnesota. Seniors who need adult day health care can expect to pay about $1,979 per month, while 44 hours of weekly homemaker services, also known as home care, cost $5,863 per month. Home health aide services, which include homemaker services plus limited medical care, costs an average of $6,292 per month. 

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, there are over 1,213,900 Medicaid recipients. For nursing home residents, Medicaid coverage includes room and board and any medically related social services, as well as medications dispensed by the facility. The program can also cover some Medicare out-of-pocket costs. 

There are over 350 nursing homes throughout the state, with all but a few accepting Medicaid. Whether residents need assistance exploring their long-term care options or applying for state medical assistance, the MnCHOICES Assessment can determine the appropriate care type and help find ways to pay for long-term care. Alternatively, qualifying individuals can apply for various HCBS waivers, including the Elderly Waiver, to receive nursing-level care in a noninstitutionalized setting, such as assisted living. The Alternative Care (AC) programs support individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid.

Medicaid Eligibility in Minnesota

The 2022 income and asset limits for single applicants are $1,074 per month and $3,000, respectively. These figures increase to $1,453 and $6,000 if both individuals are applying for Medicaid. However, if one person in a two-person household applies, the asset limit is $3,000 for the applicant and $137,400 for the non-applicant. The higher figure is established to financially protect the spouse who is not in long-term care. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Minnesota

Keep in mind there are more requirements than just meeting the income limit. Individuals must reside within the state in which they are applying for benefits and prove they’re in need of nursing-level care. Individuals who don’t meet the income requirement may be able to “spend down” on necessities to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Other requirements include:

• Proof of American citizenship
• Any relevant military documents 
• Property deeds

How To Apply for Medicaid in Minnesota

Seniors and their loved ones can apply for Medicaid online or in person. Those who prefer to apply for Medicaid in person can go to their local tribal or county office. To apply online, Minnesota residents can use MNSure. Paper applications can be printed out in a PDF form or residents can call (651) 431-2670 to request an application be sent by mail. Individuals who need assistance applying for Medicaid can call (855) 366-7873. Before applicants begin the process, they should prepare all the necessary documentation. 

Information You Will Need:

• Copy of birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Proof of citizenship (e.g., green card) if born outside the United States
• Medicare card
• Proof of earned and unearned income, including Social Security benefits
• Documents verifying pensions, including a letter from the provider
• Copies of life insurance policies
• Proof of real property sold or transferred within the previous 60 months (from the application date)
• Proof of car registration and insurance
• VA discharge papers (DD 214) for veteran applicants
• Copies of trusts and wills, as well as powers of attorney
  
  
• Any other documents that the applicant thinks will validate their claim

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Minnesota

Applying for and maintaining Medicaid benefits can seem like a lot to handle. Fortunately, several organizations educate beneficiaries about their coverage options and finding low-cost services or financial assistance programs.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Minnesota?

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 Minnesota

When trying to find resources to cover the cost of skilled nursing care, it can be disappointing to learn that Medicare doesn’t cover 100% of long-term care expenses. Luckily, there are services dedicated to helping qualifying families find financial assistance programs or free personal care services that work along with Medicare.  

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Minnesota

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 Minnesota

Families may find it difficult to find free or affordable care services for their aging loved ones. However, a few agencies in Minnesota can provide aid to qualifying families. Additionally, for seniors who already reside in nursing homes, experienced professionals, such as a long-term care ombudsman, can educate them regarding their personal rights as a resident.

COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in Minnesota

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, 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 Minnesota