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Nursing Homes in Nevada
In 2019, Nevada had nearly 3.1 million residents; 16.1% of these residents were 65 and older, making older adults one of the state’s largest demographics. To meet the needs of older residents, Nevada has 31 hospitals and 66 certified nursing facilities. Two of the state’s hospitals, Carson Tahoe Health in Carson City and Renown South Meadows Medical Center in Reno, are high-performing in multiple specialties, giving seniors access to high-quality care.
Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), give residents 24/7 access to skilled nursing care. According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, a semiprivate room in a Nevada nursing home costs an average of $9,262 per month. The cost of a private room is slightly higher, averaging $10,585 per month.
The following guide provides an overview of the cost of care in Nevada, along with information on financial assistance options and a summary of relevant laws designed to protect nursing home residents. It also includes a directory of resources for seniors and their caregivers.
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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nevada
According to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey, Nevada is on the expensive side when it comes to the cost of nursing home care. Although the national average for care in a semiprivate room is $7,756 per month, the average for a semiprivate room in Nevada is $9,262 per month, a difference of more than $1,500. Oregon is the most expensive state in the region, with average monthly costs of $10,114 for a semiprivate room. Care in California costs a few dollars less per month than care in Nevada, with a semiprivate room costing an average of $9,247 per month. Idaho and Utah have lower costs than Nevada, averaging $8,669 per month and $6,388 per month, respectively.
The cost of nursing home care depends on several factors, including the local cost of living and the number of facilities available. As a result, costs vary significantly from one Nevada city to another. The Carson City area has the highest monthly costs, averaging $9,612 for a semiprivate room. In Las Vegas and Henderson, a semiprivate room costs an average of $9,155 per month. Costs are slightly lower in Reno at $9,095 per month and in Elko, which is near the Nevada-Idaho border, at $8,836 per month.
Carson City
$9612
Las Vegas
$9155
Henderson
$9155
Reno
$9095
Elko
$8836
The type of care selected also influences a senior’s average monthly costs. In addition to nursing home care, Nevada seniors have the option of choosing home health services, attending an adult day care program or moving into assisted living. Adult day care, which is typically provided at a community center, costs the least, averaging $1,571 per month in Nevada. Home-based care costs more, with in-home care averaging $4,576 per month and home health care averaging $4,767 per month. Assisted living is the most expensive remaining option, averaging $3,595 per month.
In-Home Care
$4576
Home Health Care
$4767
Adult Day Care
$1571
Assisted Living Facility
$3595
Nursing Home Care
$9262
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Nevada?
In Nevada, Medicaid covers the cost of a nursing home, as well as some personal care services for low-income individuals and those who require skilled nursing care. Approximately 800,436 individuals qualify for Medicaid within the state, as of July 2021. Medicaid covers the cost of nursing care, specialized rehabilitation, social services, room and board, meals, prescriptions and personal hygiene items. Some services that may not be covered include a private room, electronics, outside social events, clothes and comfort items such as snacks and cosmetics.
Nevada is home to 66 nursing homes all of which take Medicaid for payment. For additional help, the Assisted Living Waiver can help pay for case management services and personal care, including bathing, mobility, toileting, feeding, dressing and grooming.
Medicaid Eligibility in Nevada
Medicaid is available for adults aged 65 and under with household incomes that are up to 138% of the federal poverty level, so in order to be eligible for Medicaid in Nevada, seniors have to meet the financial requirements. Single applicants have a yearly income limit of $32,904 with an asset limit of $2,000. The same limits apply in a two-person household where only one person is applying for coverage. However, if both people apply, the income limits double to $65,808 and assets are capped at $3,000.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*Except for a $35/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
To further qualify, an individual must be a resident of the state of Nevada, in need of health care assistance and either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien. Those who are legally blind or have a permanent disability may also be eligible. Other qualifications for Nevada Medicaid include proof of citizenship and residency.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada
To apply for Medicaid in Nevada, individuals can start with the online prequalification tool. Contact your local Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS) at (800) 992-0900, and choose option one or visit a local office. It’s possible to apply online for Nevada Medicaid or to print the necessary papers and apply by mail.
Information You Will Need
- Government-issued identification, including driver’s license or ID card
- Proof of citizenship
- Current lease or rental agreement or mortgage statement
- Pay stubs for the last 90 days
- Award letters of verification letters for SSI and other retirement benefits
- Bank or credit union statement
- Vehicle registration
- Savings bonds
- Life insurance policies
- Proof of benefits for other states
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Nevada
The following list contains information on free resources that assist families and individuals with Medicaid and the entire application process. These sites also provide additional information on other sources for those who need supplemental insurance.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Healthlink | (800) 547-2927 | The Silver State Insurance Exchange operates Nevada Health Link to help seniors and families locate affordable insurance. Seniors can apply for Medicaid and shop for supplemental insurance that fits their needs and income requirements. |
| Access Nevada | (800) 992-0900 | Access Nevada offers easy access to all benefits provided by the state. Through the website, seniors may create an account, apply for Medicaid, check the status of an application and make changes to the account. The site also contains information on qualification criteria and provides information on other services, such as food assistance. |
| Benefits.gov | (877) 638-3472 | Benefits.gov is the official benefits site of the federal government. It provides easy access to information about state Medicaid qualifications, including income limits and additional criteria. The site also provides contact information and gives information on where seniors can go to apply. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Nevada?
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 Nevada
Understanding the financial assistance options available is important for seniors on a budget when considering a nursing home and other forms of long-term care. Several organizations throughout Nevada provide Medicare information and guidance to help seniors make informed decisions.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) | (800) 307-4444 | SHIP provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling, information and assistance. Help is available for understanding eligibility requirements and benefit information regarding all parts of Medicare, including Part D prescription coverage. The program also helps with claims, appeals and explanation of benefits. |
| Nevada Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) | (800) 307-4444 | MAP's individual counselors empower, educate and assist seniors in understanding their policy options. MAP counselors also help with fraud prevention and education, Medicare billing issues, application assistance for low-income programs and plan comparisons. |
| Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) | (888) 838-7305 | SMP empowers and assists seniors, their families and caregivers to prevent and report Medicare and health care issues, including fraud, errors and abuse. SMP operates a toll-free helpline and provides face-to-face assistance throughout the state. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Nevada
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 Nevada
There are many resources in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Area Agencies on Aging | The Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services Division is based in Carson City and assists seniors throughout Nevada. Adult Protective Services falls under this division, as does the Nevada State Long Term Care Ombudsman program. The Office of Community Living offers waivers to seniors for in-home services, such as personal care assistance, a homemaker, an adult companion, transportation and personal emergency response systems. Caregivers can also find relief with respite care and adult day care centers. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada 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 Nevada seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Meals on Wheels | Nevada Meals on Wheels is an umbrella organization that partners with food pantries to deliver hot, healthy meals to homebound seniors throughout the state. While Nevada MOW is not a direct provider of food, it maintains a national database that helps seniors find the program closest to them. Many MOW partners also provide congregate meal sites where seniors can enjoy a meal while socializing with their peers. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center (NATRC) | 800-216-7988 | The NATRC offers low and high-tech assistive technology to Nevada seniors in need. It loans the devices at no cost for two weeks, although participants can use multiple loans to extend this time if the device is not needed elsewhere. |
| Nevada CARE Chest | Care Chest provides medical equipment and supplies to northern Nevada residents who demonstrate financial need. It loans devices for as long as participants need them and can sometimes deliver them to the participant's home. The program also has a walk-in facility that can provide equipment on the spot with proof of identity, residence and income. |
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 Nevada have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or l
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Home Modifications – RAMP | 702-648-3425 | Nevada Senior Services runs the RAMP program, which provides subsidized home modifications necessary for seniors to maintain the accessibility needed for independent living. The program seeks funding to help cover the costs for selected modifications. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada 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 Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Blind Exemption | Seniors who are legally blind can apply for the Blind Exemption. The assessed value for this exemption starts at $4,380 but goes as high as $7,300 if combined with the Veteran's Exemption or the Surviving Spouse Exemption. This exemption requires a new application every year. | |
| Nevada Surviving Spouse Exemption | Widowed seniors may qualify for the Surviving Spouse Exemption, which offers an assessed value of $1,460. They must file an exemption each year to apply. | |
| Nevada Veteran's Exemption | Seniors who have served in the military could qualify for the Veteran's Exemption and receive a property tax reduction based on their home's assessed value. The assessed value reduction starts at $2,920 but can increase to $29,200 if there are additional factors such as disability and blindness. They must submit a new application each year. |
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. Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Energy Assistance Program | The Nevada Energy Assistance Program assists eligible state seniors with financial help for energy costs. Its calendar year runs from July 1 to June 30, but interested individuals can apply anytime. Only one payment is permitted for each qualifying household during a calendar year, and seniors must fall within a specific income range to be eligible. Applicants are required to submit requested details and supporting documentation, including proof of residency and the amount of cash assistance needed. |
Veteran's Services
Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada VA Benefits and Health Care | Seniors who are qualified veterans can receive services from the Nevada VA Benefits and Health Care office. This state-wide program provides a wide range of benefits to veterans, including medical care services, supplemental income and the potential for long-term care services. Nevada's VA Medical Centers are in Reno and Las Vegas. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Nevada
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | According to the Nevada Administrative Code, every skilled nursing facility must obtain a license to operate. To qualify for a license, the facility must demonstrate that it complies with all relevant laws and safety standards. |
| Staffing Requirements | A licensed administrator must oversee the operation of every skilled nursing facility. Nevada doesn't have minimum staffing ratios, but every skilled nursing facility must have adequate staffing to ensure the safety of each resident and to help residents maintain their health and independence. At facilities with more than 20 residents, at least one caregiver must be awake and on duty at all times. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Every caregiver must receive at least four hours of training within 60 days of starting employment. The training must be relevant to the skilled nursing facility's resident population. All caregivers must also receive eight hours of continuing education each year. Administrators must complete CPR and first-aid training within 30 days of starting employment. Each registered nurse must maintain an active CPR certification. |
| Admission Restrictions | Skilled nursing facilities aren't permitted to admit residents who require restraints for their safety. Bedridden residents and residents requiring 24-hour medical supervision can't be admitted unless they're enrolled in a hospice program and have been approved by the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance. Individuals with unmanageable incontinence, pressure ulcers, and contractures can't be admitted to Nevada skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, patients who require specialized care, such as catheterization or the use of oxygen, may not be admitted to a Nevada skilled nursing facility unless the facility is capable of performing the required care or has trained medical personnel available to perform the care. |
| Care Planning Requirements | The facility administrator must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment for each resident. The needs assessment must include information on the resident's cognitive status, customary routine, behavior patterns and overall condition. The assessment should also address the condition of the resident's skin, dental health, pattern of continence and nutritional needs. |
| Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements | Skilled nursing facilities must provide three meals per day. Each meal must be nutritious, suitable for the resident, served appropriately (e.g. hot foods served hot) and planned with the resident's nutritional needs and individual preferences in mind. Snacks must also be made available for residents who don't have dietary restrictions that prevent them from eating in between meals. A facility with more than 10 residents must consult a registered dietitian at least quarterly to develop new menus, train kitchen staff and make sure the nutritional program complies with all relevant requirements. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Skilled nursing facilities must provide specialized rehabilitative services, such as physical therapy, as required by each resident's care plan. If the facility doesn't employ its own rehabilitation staff, the services must be obtained from a qualified third party. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Residents are permitted to administer their own medications if they're capable of doing so. Unlicensed staff may also administer medications, provided they complete a 16-hour training course. For residents who need insulin, a nurse may fill and label the insulin syringes ahead of time; alternatively, the facility may use pre-filled pens. |
| Activities Requirements | Facilities licensed for 50 or more residents must have at least one full-time staff member responsible for assisting with activities. Facilities licensed for 20 to 49 residents must have one staff member responsible for organizing and conducting activities. |
| Infection Control Requirements | Every skilled nursing facility must have an infection-control program to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the health and safety of residents. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Nevada Medicaid pays for augmented personal care for residents of skilled nursing facilities who are 65 and older. This includes recreational programming, medication oversight and companion services. |
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