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.
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
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 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 Basic 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.
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
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. |
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:
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.
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. |
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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (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. |
| Nevada Department of Aging Services | (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. |
| Nevada Department of Veterans Services | (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. |
| Personal Assistance Services | (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. |
| Adult Protective Services (APS) | (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. |
| 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. |
2898 HIGHWAY 50 EAST, Carson City, NV, 89701
4.0
(1 reviews)
"My family member has been in this facility for about 4 years now. I find the staff very caring, the food is quite good, and the place is clean. It is not a fancy facility but from what I have seen the patients are cared for with love and respect. "
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3050 N Ormsby Blvd, Carson City, NV, 89703
2.6
(12 reviews)
"my stay at Ormsby was pleasant and a nice surprise. The staff was amazing and polite. They taught me how to find hope and strength in myself during my stay and helped me keep hope for the next journey in my life. The staff was respectful and uphel..."
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