Nursing Homes in Iowa

Eligible Iowa seniors in need of nursing home care can use Medicaid to pay for costs. Since October 2013, the number of Iowans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP has increased by 71.25%, for a total of 845,136. Nursing facilities are a long-term care option for residents who need a higher level of care than can be provided at home or at an assisted living community.

Advantages of nursing homes include medical staff on-site 24/7, around-the-clock supervision and planned recreational activities in a homelike setting. Seniors age 65 and over who are medically deemed in need of nursing facility care may qualify for the Medicaid HCBS Elderly Waiver Program, which can provide services including but not limited to case management and nutritional counseling.

One way to apply for Medicaid in Iowa is online through the Department of Human Services (DHS) portal. Applications can also be mailed to:

DHS – Centralized Facility Eligibility Unit at Imaging Center 1
Iowa Department of Human Services
417 East Kanesville Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 

Medicaid applications can be downloaded and printed. People applying for nursing home care should write NURSING FACILITY MEDICAID on Page 1 of the application. Seniors or their representatives can also complete, scan and email a paper application to facilities@dhs.state.ia.us. Alternatively, applications can be faxed to (515) 564-4040. Documentation of information may be required.

What Information You Will Need

• Completed Medicaid application
• Proof of identity and citizenship status
• Copy of Medicare and any other insurance benefit policies
• Proof of income and assets
• Level of care assessment by a physician
• Release of Information form

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.