Nursing Homes in Ohio

With more than 71,000 adults living in skilled nursing facilities, Ohio has the nation’s fifth-largest population of nursing home residents after California, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. The Buckeye State is home to more than 978 nursing homes that offer families a wide range of choices.

Skilled nursing facilities are suitable for individuals who have advanced medical needs and require around-the-clock care. In Ohio, these facilities are authorized to provide personal care, such as assistance with daily activities, as well as skilled medical care, such as administering medications. Nursing homes also offer meals, accommodations and recreational activities to provide an enriching lifestyle. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of a semiprivate nursing home in Ohio is $7,148 per month, and residents pay $1,065 more for private accommodations.

If your loved one is unable to live safely at home or has needs that are too advanced for an assisted living facility, skilled nursing may be the best option. This guide features helpful resources for families who are considering nursing home care, including pricing information, financial assistance programs, relevant state agencies and local long-term care organizations.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Ohio

Budget-conscious families will be pleased to discover that nursing home costs in Ohio are about 8% lower than the national average of $7,756. Rates are also competitive for the region according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. In Ohio and Indiana, seniors pay approximately $7,150 per month for a semiprivate room. Although average rates are just $180 higher in Kentucky, seniors in neighboring states pay considerably more. Nursing facilities in Michigan charge $1,825 more per month, and rates in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, exceed $10,000 a month.

Average nursing home costs vary by more than $2,000 per month in Ohio’s major metropolitan areas. In Columbus, the state’s capital and largest city, monthly rates are $150 lower than the state median. This is one of the most affordable areas for nursing home care after Canton in the northeast, where seniors pay just $6,540 per month. When compared to the state median, prices increase by around $150 in Youngstown, $700 in Cleveland and $970 in Akron, which shows how rates can vary in a limited geographic region. Although monthly costs in Akron exceed $8,100, it’s not the most expensive city. In Dayton, residents pay $8,699 per month, which is $1,000 more than Toledo and $1,550 more than the state median.

Families who are seeking long-term care for an elderly relative have several options ranging from adult day care and in-home alternatives to assisted living and skilled nursing in licensed health care facilities. Adult day health care is the most affordable option with an average cost of $1,300 per month. Assisted living costs $4,350 per month, and home health agencies typically charge $4,481 to $4,566 depending on the level of care required. With an average cost of $7,148 per month, nursing homes are considerably more expensive, which reflects the level of skilled care and intensive staffing that’s provided around the clock.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Ohio?

Medicaid is an important source of funding for Ohio’s nursing home residents. This program covers more than 3 million adults and children statewide and about 60% of the state’s nursing home residents. Ohio has one of the nation’s largest populations of nursing home residents after California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Nearly 72,000 adults reside in the state’s 978 skilled nursing facilities. Medicaid is available to residents who live in these facilities, meet medical and financial criteria and spend the majority of their income on long-term care. The state will also pay for alternative forms of care through Medicaid waivers.

Medicaid Eligibility in Ohio 

Medicaid provides several eligibility categories to ensure members of target populations can access available benefits. While traditional Medicaid is available to individuals who have limited income and assets, seniors and disabled adults may also qualify based on their medical needs. Applicants who require a nursing home level of care qualify for Medicaid if they earn no more than 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. For 2022, this limit is $2,523 per month. Additionally, applicants must spend all of their income on long-term care, excluding a $50 monthly personal needs allowance. Assets are subject to strict limits. However, certain items are excluded, including a primary home and vehicle.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Ohio

To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with a permanent address in Ohio. Seniors and disabled adults who require a nursing home level of care can qualify for benefits with higher income limits. The state also allows spouses to retain a monthly needs allowance, and seniors who earn too much to qualify may be able to establish a trust to reduce their income to acceptable levels. Applicants who meet financial requirements must also complete a personalized needs assessment to determine whether they qualify for nursing home care. 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Medicaid provides several application options for seniors who want to apply for traditional health care benefits or long-term services and supports. To start an online application, visit Benefits.Ohio.gov. You may also contact your county’s Job and Family Services office. Applications are accepted in person and by mail or fax. You can also call Ohio’s Medicaid hotline at (800) 324-8680 for assistance. 

Information You Will Need:

• Proof of income
• Financial statements
• Property records
• Health insurance information
• Proof of age or disability
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Ohio

If you need help applying for benefits or appealing a decision, contact the Department of Medicaid directly. You can also visit your local Job and Family Services office or reach out to a nonprofit advocacy group for personalized assistance.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Ohio?

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 Ohio 

Medicare is a federal program available to seniors aged 65 and older and adults who have certain medical diagnoses. This program covers 2.4 million Ohioans, and it can help with the cost of short-term nursing home care following a hospital stay.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Ohio

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 Ohio

State and federal agencies are available to help older adults maximize their health insurance coverage and long-term care benefits. Seniors who have questions about Medicare or ways to pay for skilled nursing can contact the following agencies for assistance.

COVID-19 Rules for
Nursing Homes in Ohio

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.ohio.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 Ohio