Nursing Homes in New York

Whether seniors are looking for the bustle of a big city or the close-knit community of country living, they can find the perfect location in New York. The state is home to around 19.5 million people, and almost 17% are aged 65 and over. The state provides its older adults with many resources to help them age comfortably. New York has some of the best hospitals in the country, including a number that are highly rated for geriatric specialties.

There are also approximately 620 nursing homes across the state, which offer long-term care that can include skilled nursing, medical monitoring and treatments. This is in addition to meals, activities and personal care. The average cost of a semi-private nursing home room in New York is $12,319 per month, while a private room comes to $12,927.

This page provides data on the cost of nursing home care in New York to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about their future care. There’s also information about financial assistance and other resources available to seniors, as well as rules and regulations that cover nursing home care in the state.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New York

Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care 2020 Survey shows that the average monthly cost of nursing home care in New York is $12,319. This is $4,563 higher than the national average. New York is also more expensive than many of its neighbors. Seniors in Vermont pay just $9,779 per month and those in Pennsylvania pay $10,038. Costs are a little higher in New Jersey, but still less expensive than New York at $11,254 per month. Connecticut is slightly less affordable, with a cost of $12,927, $608 more than New York.

New York is a large state and the cost of nursing home care can vary widely depending on the location. In the state’s largest city, New York, the cost is $11,771. Binghamton and Utica are more affordable, with costs of $11,543 and $9,581 respectively. In Rochester, the cost is $12,380 and in Buffalo it’s $12,669, while seniors in Syracuse pay $12,890. The state’s capital, Albany, is one of the more expensive cities, with a cost of $12,973, and seniors in New City pay $13,748. 

At $12,319 per month, nursing home care is the most expensive senior care option, due to the skilled nursing and medical care it provides. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,945 per month. This provides care in a group setting to seniors who live at home. Assisted living provides room, board and personal care and costs an average of $4,800 per month. In-home care provides non-medical services in the home and costs $4,814 per month. Home health care also offers care in the home, but can include medical and skilled nursing services, and costs $4,957. It may be an option for seniors that require a nursing home level of care but want to stay living in the community. 

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in New York?

Of the more than 19,835,000 people residing in New York, at least 7,386,139 of them are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program. New York seniors aged 65 and over account for approximately 11% of those enrollments. For enrollees living in nursing homes, the program pays for the facility’s room and board in addition to standard health care services. Community-based long-term care services are also available to Medicaid recipients.

There are around 615 nursing homes in New York, all of which accept Medicaid. Together, these facilities have up to 121,077 certified nursing home beds and provide residents with around-the-clock hospital-like care. New York Medicaid pays for a wide range of services including nursing home care, hospital inpatient and outpatient services, lab tests, physician and dental care, medical equipment and supplies. Seniors who need nursing care but prefer to remain living at home or within the community may be eligible for Medicaid Managed Care, which offers health care plans certified by the New York State Department of Health.  

Medicaid Eligibility in New York

An applicant must meet specific financial and medical criteria to be eligible for Medicaid in New York. To meet the basic eligibility requirements, you must:

• Need health care assistance
• Have a low income
• Live with a medical disability and/or be 65 years of age or older
• Be a resident of New York State
• Be a United States citizen, permanent resident or legal alien

The financial eligibility requirements consist of income and asset limits for applicants. Assets or resources include cash, investments, second homes, savings and checking accounts. Burial funds or a life insurance policy with up to a $1,500 cash value, a car and pre-paid funeral trusts are exempt. If the applicant owns and intends to return to their primary home, that is exempt if the home equity interest is below $955,000.  

For a single applicant, monthly income must not exceed $934 and countable liquid assets are limited to $16,800. The non-applicant’s income limit is the same, but that person’s asset limit is higher at $137,400 because of the financial protection provided by the Spousal Impoverishment Act. This Congressional Act protects the assets for non-applicant spouses of Medicaid applicants seeking long-term care. It helps prevent one spouse from becoming poverty-stricken so the applicant spouse can become eligible for Medicaid. If both spouses are applying for nursing home Medicaid, the monthly income limit is increased to $1,367 with $24,600 in allowable assets. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in New York

How to Apply for Medicaid in New York

Seniors can apply for Medicaid in New York through their local New York State Department of Social Services. Each county houses at least one social services office. You can either apply by going to an office in person, submitting a written application or calling the social services office in your area. A person can also apply for Medicaid online at the New York State Department of Health website. The health department has a help line to call for more information at 1-855-355-5777.

Information You Will Need

• Copy of birth certificate 
• Social Security card
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residence (e.g., passport, driver’s license, green card)
• Proof of income (e.g., Social Security award letter, retirement benefit statements)
• All bank statements that cover the last 60 months preceding your application date
• Life insurance documents
• Property deeds or proof of residence
• Medicare card
• Any other insurance cards or policy papers
• Automobile registration or title
• Preneed burial contracts
• Irrevocable trust documentation for funeral expenses
• If applicable, power of attorney papers

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in New York

The list below contains contact details and a brief explanation of resources available to seniors and their families in New York State who are navigating the complicated process of applying for Medicaid assistance. 

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in New York?

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 & Resources in New York

When considering nursing home care for a loved one, families may wonder whether Medicare will cover some or all the costs involved. While it’s true that Medicare health insurance may be of some assistance initially, it is not a resource for covering long-term care costs. Trained staff associated with the organizations listed below may be able to provide information and help with your individual circumstances.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in New York

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 New York

Families and their elderly loved ones seeking or considering nursing home care can often feel overwhelmed by the complexities involved in finding the best solutions for their needs. Thankfully, there exists a variety of free and subsidized resources within New York State to help clarify the system and ease a move towards long-term care.

COVID-19 Rules for
Nursing Homes in New York

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.health.ny.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022, 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 New York