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.
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.
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.
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 $30,276 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 limits double to $60,552 and $4,000, respectively.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nevada
Annual Income Limits
Asset Limits
Single Applicant
$30,276
$2,000
Two-Person Household
(Only One Person Applying)
$30,276
$2,000
Two-Person Household
(Both People Applying)
$60,552
($2,523 per month per spouse)
$4,000
($2,000 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
(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.
(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.
(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 Florida
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.
Resource
Contact
Service
(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.
(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.
(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.
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
Seniors and their loved ones who are considering long-term care communities for retirement can receive help through a variety of agencies, programs and services. The following list addresses everything from insurance needs to financial assistance.
Resource
Contact
Service
(888) 282-1155
The long-term care ombudsman acts as an advocate for seniors in long-term care. The agency receives complaints against nursing homes and assisted living communities and seeks resolutions. The ombudsman also makes annual visits to communities to ensure they are maintaining standards set by the federal and state governments and educates seniors, their caregivers and loved ones on elder rights.
(702) 486-6930
The Nevada Department of Aging Services represents seniors throughout the state and those with disabilities or special health care needs. Regional resource centers promote choice, dignity and independence for older adults through caregiver support, education and information.
(702) 830-2000
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services helps prior military members receive the benefits and services they deserve, including benefits counseling. Additional services include case management, health care, education allowances, job support, mental health services and financial assistance.
(775) 687-4210
The Personal Assistance Services Program provides in-home community-based services to seniors and those with disabilities. These services include bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, meals, case management and personal shopping.
(775) 687-4210
APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment against seniors ages 60 and older. The agency reports all appropriate cases to law enforcement and may provide temporary housing to seniors who are at risk.
COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in Nevada
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including nvhealthresponse.nv.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/10/2022, 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
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Outings & Social Activities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?
Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?