Nursing Homes in Washington

When a chronic condition or disability makes living at home a challenge, it may be time to consider the transition to nursing home care. Of Washington’s 7,614,893 residents, 13.2% are seniors aged 65 and above, and 15,094 live in nursing homes throughout the state. Skilled nursing facilities provide seniors with around-the-clock care and supervision, meals, medical services and recreational activities. Staff are thoroughly trained and qualified to care for seniors with complex needs, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. In Washington, nursing home rates for a semiprivate room average $9,581 per month according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Private rooms are almost $1,370 more with prices ranging around $10,950.

This guide provides an overview of the cost of nursing home care throughout Washington state and explains how Medicaid can help pay for the care that seniors need. We also highlight a number of financial assistance programs and resources that seniors and their loved ones may find helpful.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Washington

At $9,581 per month for a semiprivate room, nursing home costs in Washington are somewhat more expensive compared to surrounding states. In Idaho, for example, rates are about $900 cheaper at $8,669. Prices are higher in Oregon, however, where seniors can expect to pay $10,114. To the south in California, prices drop to $9,247. Rates in Montana are among the lowest in the northwestern part of the nation. Seniors there pay just $7,665, which is in line with the average cost for the United States as a whole.

Nursing home prices vary throughout Washington with the cheapest rates typically found in the southern part of the state. Prices are lowest in the Yakima area where seniors pay only $7,908 for a semiprivate room. In Longview, about one hour north of Portland, Oregon, prices reach $8,213. Costs in the Seattle and Bremerton areas are among the priciest in the state at $10,624 and $10,646, respectively.

Seniors in Washington have other options in addition to nursing home care. Adult day care, which offers social activities and supervision in a community-based center, is the best value at $2,167 per month. Assisted living costs about $5,750; in this setting, residents receive room and board, meals and personal care, but skilled nursing usually isn’t included. In-home care and home health care cost $5,941 to $6,031 on average. Home health care provides medical services that basic home care doesn’t, such as wound care, medication administration and management of chronic conditions.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Washington?

Just under 2 million people are covered by Medicaid in the state of Washington. The state offers expanded coverage so this number includes low-income adults and children. Three out of every five nursing home residents in Washington are covered by Medicaid. For seniors residing in nursing homes, the program covers costs such as room and board, medication, laundry services, medication, general nursing care and medical equipment.

Washington has 221 nursing homes and all of them accept Medicaid. These homes collectively provide over 21,000 beds and offer hospital-like levels of care on a 24/7 basis. The Washington State Long-Term Care Partnership Program may help to cover some of the fees involved in nursing home care such as transportation. Those seniors who require skilled nursing care but would prefer to remain in their own homes or community may be eligible for one of the Home and Community Based Care Waivers and Programs. 

Medicaid Eligibility in Washington

Medicaid coverage in Washington is determined based on financial need. A registered nurse or physician will carry out an assessment to determine if the applicant requires skilled nursing care. The Washington State Health Care Authority carries out the financial check and determines if the applicant meets all the criteria to receive Medicaid coverage for nursing home care.

Households must have an income within 133% of the federal poverty level to qualify for coverage. For 2022, they can earn up to $30,276 per person applying (so $60,552 for a couple). However, assets must be less than $2,000 for a single applicant or $3,000 for a couple who apply together. If someone applies and has a spouse, that spouse must have less than $137,400 in assets, and the applicant can only have $2,000.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Washington

How to Apply for Medicaid in Washington

Residents can apply online via the Washington Connection Portal, in person at their nearest Home and Community Services Office or by completing Form 18-005 and mailing it to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Service. Applicants must prepare all of the required documents before applying. The process can take a couple of months and any missing documents can delay the process even longer.

Information You Will Need:

• A social security number
• Proof of income
• Proof of identification
• Copy of birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency if not born in the United States
• Documentation regarding resources ( bank statements, life insurance and property tax statements)
• Any other supporting documents which may support the application
• VA discharge papers for veterans
• Property deeds

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Washington

The following list contains contact details and information regarding support agencies that can assist seniors and their families in navigating the complicated process of applying for Medicaid benefits.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Washington?

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 Washington

Families and seniors who are looking at Medicare may wonder if it may be able to assist in covering some of the costs associated with nursing home care. Health insurance cannot assist in the long term, but it may be able to help with some of the initial costs. Trained consultants and advisors associated with the organizations listed below may be able to provide interested parties with information that is helpful in their particular situation.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Washington

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 Washington

Seniors and their families have access to a number of supportive services and programs in Washington to assist them in finding the best options to suit their particular medical and financial situation. These services can help families to afford the care their loved one requires in a skilled nursing facility or in their own homes. 

COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in Washington

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including dshs.wa.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/15/2022, 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 Washington