A skilled nursing facility is a great place to receive care after receiving medical care in the hospital. With a Registered Nurse (RN) on duty 24/7, you can be sure you’ll receive the support you need during your stay. Due to the highly supervised environment, many people ask the question, “What does a skilled nursing facility cost?” The answer is not as simple as you would assume.
In most cases, families begin asking how much does a skilled nursing facility cost when a loved one needs post-hospital rehabilitation, ongoing medical monitoring, or short-term recovery services that cannot be safely provided at home. Understanding these costs early can help families make informed financial and care decisions.
Average Cost of a Skilled Nursing Facility
The average cost of a skilled nursing facility in 2017 was $235 per day for a semi-private room and $267 for a private room. When looking at most nursing facilities in the United States, rooms ranged from $140 to $771.
These figures help explain the average cost of a skilled nursing facility per day, which can vary significantly depending on the region and level of medical care required. Facilities offering advanced rehabilitation therapies or specialized nursing services often fall on the higher end of this range.
For the year, a person can expect to spend between $51,096 and $281,412, if insurance doesn’t cover any of the costs associated with the stay.
This annual range reflects why many families are concerned about the long-term skilled nursing home care cost, especially when a stay extends beyond short-term recovery and becomes a longer-term medical necessity.
In Washington, the average cost of a skilled nursing facility is $9,243 per month. Genworth’s 2017 Cost of Care research reports that semi-private nursing home care in Seattle averaged about $365 a day. While this is more than other places in the country, Seattle is known for having excellent quality of care and amenities.
For families in the Pacific Northwest, this monthly figure helps answer the question how much is a skilled nursing facility per month, particularly when comparing regional care costs to national averages.
Factors Involved in the Cost of a Skilled Nursing Facility
The state where the skilled nursing facility is located has a lot to do with the cost. Texas has the lowest average price for a semi-private room, and Alaska has the highest.
Geographic differences in labor costs, real estate prices, and healthcare regulations all influence the cost of skilled nursing facility care across states, which is why prices vary so widely nationwide.
The cost also depends on the facility. For instance, in some parts of California, services can cost $2,829 in one facility and $27,770 at another one.
This dramatic range highlights how important it is to compare facilities carefully when evaluating the cost for skilled nursing facility care, even within the same city or county.
Other factors that influence the cost of a skilled nursing facility include:
- Number of years in business
- The amount of staff available
- The types of services offered
- Certifications and accreditations the facility has received
- The size of the facility and amenities available
Facilities with higher staffing ratios, specialized therapy programs, and advanced medical equipment often have higher overall skilled nursing facility costs, but may also provide a higher level of care.
Insurance Coverage for Skilled Nursing Facilities
Medicare will cover some of the cost of a skilled nursing facility for 100 days if it follows a hospital stay of at least three days, and the doctors recommend the facility for rehabilitation. Medicare will pay all covered costs for the first twenty-one days. Stays longer than twenty-one days will require a copayment. Any days after a hundred days are not covered and will need to be covered by the patient.
This limited coverage is why many families carefully track the daily cost of a skilled nursing facility once Medicare benefits begin to phase out.
Medicaid may cover some costs associated with a skilled nursing facility, but eligibility requirements are strict, as it is only for those who have a low income. For additional information on Medicaid benefits for skilled nursing facilities, contact an attorney licensed in the same state as the person who would be using the Medicaid assistance.
For individuals who qualify, Medicaid can significantly reduce the cost of skilled nursing care, especially for long-term stays.
Skilled Nursing Facility Costs Are Tax Deductible
The Internal Revenue Service reports that all costs associated with a skilled nursing facility are tax deductible as long as the cause for the stay is primarily medical care.
These costs include:
- Care
- Meals
- Lodging
All costs for non-medical care reasons for staying at a skilled nursing facility are not tax deductible. The only tax deductible costs are those associated with medical care, not meals or lodging expenses.
Understanding these tax rules can help families better manage the average cost of a nursing home when medical care is the primary purpose of the stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Nursing Facility Costs
1. How much does a skilled nursing facility cost per day?
The daily cost of a skilled nursing facility typically ranges from $140 to $771 per day, depending on location, room type, and level of care. This range reflects the average cost of skilled nursing facility per day across the United States.
2. What is the average cost of a nursing home compared to skilled nursing?
The average cost of a nursing home is often similar to skilled nursing facilities, but skilled nursing usually costs more due to 24/7 medical staffing and rehabilitation services. Nursing homes that provide custodial care only may be less expensive.
3. Does Medicare fully cover skilled nursing facility costs?
Medicare only fully covers the first 21 days if eligibility requirements are met. After that, copayments apply, which can increase the cost of skilled nursing significantly for longer stays.
4. How expensive is a nursing home for long-term care?
For long-term care, nursing homes can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. Families often ask how expensive is a nursing home, especially when insurance coverage is limited or unavailable.
5. Are skilled nursing facility costs the same as assisted living nursing costs?
No. The cost of an assisted living nurse is generally lower because assisted living does not provide the same level of medical care as a skilled nursing facility, which includes licensed nursing staff and rehabilitation services.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of skilled nursing facilities is an essential part of planning for senior care. From daily rates and insurance coverage to tax deductions and regional pricing, many factors influence what families ultimately pay. By learning about the average cost of skilled nursing facility, families can make informed decisions that balance quality care with financial considerations.
How We Can Help
We understand the financial strain a skilled nursing facility can have on your older loved one and your family. If you have any questions about the costs associated with this type of senior living option or you would like to learn about other facilities that may meet the needs of your older loved one better, call us at 425-324-5592.
Our experienced advisors can help you compare care options, understand insurance benefits, and navigate the cost of a nursing home or skilled nursing facility with confidence.
Call A1 Senior Care Advisors at (425) 324-5592
