How Do I Pay for Skilled Nursing?

Private Insurance and Personal Assets

You can use your personal savings, funds and other assets to offset the cost of living in a skilled nursing facility. That includes retirement accounts, pensions, stocks and home equity.

The cost of skilled nursing depends on:

• Facility location
• Community features
• Type of medical service
• Room accommodations

Long-term care insurance is another private financing option that will help you pay for skilled nursing. It’s private insurance intended to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You should sign up for long-term care insurance before you need it as premiums increase as you age or if you develop a chronic health condition.

Medicare and Skilled Nursing

Medicare is government health insurance that will cover the cost of a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility following hospitalization for an illness or injury. It’s not intended to pay for long-term care expenses.

Medicare Part A will help you pay for intense, rehabilitative services such as physical therapy, speech therapy and other types of therapies. You must receive care from certified professionals who treat, manage, evaluate and provide care for your health condition.

Medicare can pay for:

• A semi-private room
• Meals and dietary services
• Medication, supplies and equipment in-facility
• Ambulatory transport for special medical services

Paying for Skilled Nursing Using Medicaid

You must meet the financial requirements to qualify for Medicaid. It’s intended for those with low income and few personal assets. Because it’s a federal and state-funded program, you may only be able to use Medicaid financing at an approved skilled nursing facility.

Medicaid provides the funds to pay for clinical expenses, like rehabilitation and custodial care. That includes activities of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, eating and housekeeping. You can also use Medicaid to pay for room and board.

How Veterans Can Pay for Skilled Nursing

You may qualify for VA benefits for long-term care if you or your spouse served in the military. The VA can cover the cost of skilled nursing in one of its own facilities or a private nursing facility that accepts VA benefits.

VA long-term care benefits include 24/7 medical and nursing care, physical therapy, assistance with ADLs, comfort care and pain management. You will receive some coverage if you’re enrolled in the VA’s standard health benefits program, but you may have to make a copay for specialized services.

Skilled Nursing in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida at Embassy Healthcare

Our dedicated team of registered nurses and certified nursing assistants provides attentive care if you require assistance with your medical concerns or activities of daily living. Whether you’re recovering from a hospital stay or need long-term rehabilitation, you’ll find the skilled nursing you need at Embassy.

Call 216-378-2050 to learn more and schedule a tour online.