Minnesota Nursing Homes
Throughout the state, Minnesota offers several options for long-term senior care facilities. The cost of care in one of these homes can be expensive; Minnesota ranks above the national average in cost of care, with the average monthly cost of residence in a nursing home ranging between $8000 and $10500. However, there are options to help individuals and families cover some of the associated costs of living in a care center.
Understanding Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing homes may be a good fit for individuals who need more assistance than can be offered by home care or aging in place, including support for medical and personal care. Nursing homes provide general medical care, but residents still may need to visit off-site doctors for additional services. Skilled nursing facilities employ specialists in their care center, in many cases offering services like physical therapy or restorative care on-site, making the care more accessible to the facility's residents.
Covering the Cost of Care
Given the cost of care in the state, enrolled Medicare and Medicaid members may want to use these services to offset the cost of a long-term care facility. However, Medicare does not typically cover the costs of residence in a long-term care facility. Medicaid may cover some of these costs, but both Medicare and Medicaid are accepted by the majority of Minnesota's long-term care facilities to cover the associated medical costs of care, like prescriptions and additional medical visits. Since each facility operates differently, individuals and family members should consult the staff at a particular location for information on what Medicare or Medicaid would cover, and any potential changes in coverage that may occur during a nursing home stay. The Veteran's Association also offers specific coverage for veterans looking for long-term care.