Best Nursing Homes That Accept Medicare (2024)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best nursing homes that accept Medicare. We cover key factors like quality of care, staff expertise, amenities, and location. Get valuable insights on navigating Medicare coverage and enter your zip code to compare rates from top insurance providers. 

• Medicare and Medicaid are both great programs that allow for qualified, skilled care for you or your loved one
• Asking friends or family members who also have elderly family members in nursing homes is a great way to grab personal testimonies about long-term care
• Pre-existing conditions may limit your coverage, but veterans, government employees and other qualifying groups may be eligible for a discount

To simplify your search for the perfect nursing home, we encourage you to take the first step by entering your zip code below. By doing so, you can easily compare rates from top insurance providers in your area, empowering you to make an informed decision and secure the highest quality care.

Which nursing homes will accept Medicare and Medicaid?

There are plenty of ways to find nursing homes in your area. The majority of them will accept both Medicare and Medicaid. What most people don’t know, however, is that Medicare will only cover nursing homes for short stays.

Once Medicare stops paying, you’ll need to find other solutions. Medicaid does work a little bit differently in this regard. You may even need to pay for the best nursing homes that accept Medicare on your own.

Medicare Plans Available

Under Medicare, there are three different options to choose from: Part A, Part B, and Part C.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare will only cover a limited number of services within nursing homes for patients who meet specific criteria. Unskilled services and some skilled services (if deemed medically necessary) coverage will be determined based on which plan you choose.

Medicare also does not cover:

• Long-term, custodial care
• Dental care
• Routine eye exams
• Cosmetic procedures
• Hearing aids and related exams
• Routine Podiatry

To enter a Medicare-approved facility within 30 days, you must stay as a hospitalized inpatient for three or more days for evaluation, unless otherwise waived.

A physician will determine your daily care needs and treat any hospital-related medical condition during the qualified stay.

What does Medicare cover?

This will depend on the plan you choose and how long the rehabilitation stay is. Medicare only covers a maximum of 100 days, so once that time period is up, your out-of-pocket cost will need to cover any long-term care needed.

Medicare Coverage Rates

It’s in your best interest to know your long-term care options. When Medicare stops paying, you’ll need to apply for different HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) health insurance plans or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) insurance.

What does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid pays for nursing home care. Medicaid pays for 100% of all qualifying individual’s nursing home costs in any Medicaid-certified facility. However, your income and assets cannot exceed your state’s limits for the Medicaid nursing home coverage program.

Medicaid does take into account your assets, including bank balances, stocks and bonds, secondary property, and non-primary vehicles.

While every state’s Medicaid program covers nursing home care for all eligible applicants who need it, some states have expanded their coverage. It can now include other types of long-term care, such as home and community-based services (HCBS) and assisted living.

Medicaid Coverage

It is also possible to qualify for dual coverage for both Medicare and Medicaid. With dual eligibility, Medicare will pay for covered medical services first, and Medicaid will cover any remaining expenses.

How do I find Medicare or Medicaid nursing homes near me?

The best way to answer: “where to find nursing homes that accept Medicaid near me?” is first to start talking with your doctor. Many service providers have vast networks of care facilities and doctors they can refer you to.

Both Eldercare and Medicare’s websites also have databases that you can access, and they have amassed a large network of providers and care facilities.

All 50 states offer Medicare and Medicaid, but nursing home services, cost coverage, and eligibility requirements will all vary.

Best Nursing Homes That Will Accept Medicare: Key Takeaways

Understanding the costs of nursing homes, and what is and isn’t covered under each plan, will help you determine which plan is right for you and your family.

Medicare and Medicaid plan pricing, coverage, and provider networks can change on an annual basis, so be sure to review your selections every year for the best rates.

Now that you’ve learned how to find nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid, take the time to enter your ZIP code into our free and easy-to-use tool and start comparing quotes in your area today.