Need Assistance? Call 1-800-334-9427

1-800-334-9427

1-800-334-9427

Nursing Homes in Idaho

The Gem State offers a unique retirement option for seniors seeking to stay in the Midwest at an affordable price point. Idaho is home to more than 10 cities with populations of at least 50,000 and the urban amenities that go with city life. It's also a state that offers plenty of privacy and room to relax with a population of 1.8 million people, of whom 16.3% are 65 or older. The low cost of living in nearly every category makes Idaho a surprisingly attractive option for retirees, particularly those with increasing health care costs. Health care is 4.9% less expensive than the national average in Idaho, and utilities and other universal expenses are even more affordable. 

To support the nearly 300,000 residents aged 65 and older, Idaho has 72 registered nursing homes able to assist with long-term senior care. Many of these facilities also offer rehabilitative services for short-term stays and devote entire floors to memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementias. This guide offers an in-depth look at the costs of long-term care in Idaho, along with information about possible financial assistance and regulations governing nursing home operations. 


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Idaho



According to research from SeniorAdvice, Idaho may not be the best option for retirement. The state has a SeniorScore of 68, which is 4 points lower than the national average. Scores use data from more than 100 public and private databases on topics that are related to senior living such as Finances, Recreation & Leisure, Health & Safety and General Quality of Life. 

The Gem State scores lowest in the Recreation & Leisure category with a score of 56 points. Despite the 95 golf courses and high number of parks available to seniors, it scores relatively low in this category. Seniors in nursing homes may be comforted to know that the state is also home to 792 churches, and many facilities offer in-house worship options. Finances is another lower scoring category for Idaho, likely due to the lower average per capita income and high sales and income tax rates. However, Idaho doesn't tax Social Security benefits, which may help offset some of these higher tax rates. 

Idaho scores highest in the General Quality of Life category with a 68. Several factors impact that score, including the very mild weather. Temperatures rarely stay below freezing with average low temperatures of 33.9 degrees Fahrenheit, and the weather is rarely oppressive with temperature highs averaging 59.6 degrees Fahrenheit. 



Top Nursing Care in Idaho



Aspen Transitional Rehab - Meridian, ID

Aspen Transitional Rehab

2867 East Copper Point Dr

Meridian, ID 83642

1-855-221-7955

8 Reviews  

Aspen Transitional Rehab is a 30 room skilled nursing facility situated close to the Southwest Ada County Alliance neighborhood of Meridian, Idaho. With roughly 38,000 poeple living in the 83642 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense population. ...

Get Pricing Info See Details

 
 

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Idaho



Seniors in Idaho can expect to pay a bit more than the national average for nursing homes. State residents have an average expense of $8,669, which is $913 more than the national average. Compared to other states in the Northwest, Idaho is fairly middle of the road. Washington and Oregon, both coastal states, have higher prices for nursing homes at $9,581 and $10,114, respectively, while Midwest states fall on the lower end. Montana seniors save an average of just over $1,000 per month, while Wyoming seniors are comparable at expected costs of $8,258 per month. 

  • Idaho: $8,669
  • United States: $7,756
  • Washington: $9,581
  • Oregon: $10,114
  • Montana: $7,665
  • Wyoming: $8,258

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Idaho's Top Cities

Location plays a major role in determining nursing home rates throughout Idaho. Boise seniors can expect the highest rates at $9,125, while residents of the northwestern area near Lewiston can expect to pay the most affordable rates in the state at $7,254. Idaho Falls is comparable to Boise at $9,064, while Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello are all midrange at $8,836, $8,638 and $8,213, respectively.

  • Coeur d'Alene: $8,638
  • Lewiston: $7,254
  • Boise: $9,125
  • Twin Falls: $8,836
  • Pocatello: $8,213
  • Idaho Falls: $9,064

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Idaho

The most affordable long-term care option in Idaho is adult day care at $2,297 per month for those that only need intermittent care. In-home health services are more expensive than an assisted living option at $4,481 but may offer more tailored services. Assisted living and memory care are both affordable options for those that don't need regular, complex medical treatment. Nursing home care is the most expensive option but also provides the most comprehensive level of care. 

  • Memory Care: $4,594
  • Assisted Living: $3,675
  • In-Home Care: $4,481
  • Home Health Care: $4,481
  • Adult Day Care: $2,297
  • Nursing Home Care: $8,669

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Idaho



As you can see above, nursing home care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program — but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Idaho.



Medicaid in Idaho


Medicaid health insurance is a federally and state-funded program that extends health coverage to low-income adults and children. Those who qualify can gain access to both primary and acute medical care such as hospitalization coverage, along with prescription drug coverage and access to long-term supports and services for those who need them. After a 2018 ballot initiative, Idaho opted to expand Medicaid and enrollment for that expansion went into effect in Jan 2020. Prior to the expansion, 18% of Idaho residents were enrolled in Medicaid as of 2017. Two-thirds of all nursing home residents rely on Medicaid as an important source of funding, and 1 out of 7 seniors on Medicare also use Medicaid to handle coverage gaps.

Medicaid Eligibility in Idaho

Idaho offers both standard Medicaid coverage available to very low-income seniors who earn no more than $847 per month or more relaxed financial eligibility requirements for those who need Long-Term Care coverage. The Medicaid program that covers nursing home placement and other long-term supports have specific income and asset guidelines. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Earn no more than $2,402 per month as an individual. Couples' income is counted separately for the purposes of this program. 

  • Own no more than $2,000 in countable assets or $4,000 for a couple. Countable assets include things like Social Security income, retirement accounts, pension payments, annuities and other liquid assets, specifically excluding a home, personal vehicle, home furnishings and other personal possessions. 
  • As part of the nursing home program, seniors may have a share of the cost that they pay directly to the facility. 
  • Spousal impoverishment legislation allows the applicant to protect some income for a non-Medicaid-enrolled spouse. 
  • All applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other qualified immigration status and a resident in Idaho.

Applications for Medicaid are handled by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. To get more information or to apply, visit Idalink Online. Seniors can also apply over the telephone by calling (877) 456-1233 or in person at a local office. 



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

Idaho Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Bureau of Facility Standards operates a Long Term Care Program to ensure all facilities are licensed and operating as required. This department performs all needed inspections and may respond to reports of negligence or low quality of care. 

Scope of Care

Nursing homes offer seniors access to medical care on a 24-hour schedule. Facilities employ a range of health care providers to ensure patients have access to preventive, rehabilitative and acute care as needed. Staff members may include a pharmacist, doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, activities directors, culinary professionals, dieticians and other skilled professionals that work together to create a multidisciplinary team that can provide a high level of care. Some facilities also offer specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementia. 

Care Planning

Idaho has strict regulations surrounding nursing home admission and continuing care. A treating physician must provide a comprehensive care plan for each resident within 48-hours of admission to the facility. The document should include any diagnosis and medical findings, along with any activity restrictions or dietary requirements. It should also assess the patient's potential for rehabilitation. A doctor should also review and revise the care plan every 30 to 60 days while the patient is in residence at a skilled nursing facility. 

Pharmacy Services

Nursing homes must work with a licensed pharmacist to handle any and all prescription and over-the-counter medications provided to residents. Only physicians and registered nurses can handle and distribute medications. All medication handling must be performed according to regulations and all drugs must go to the prescribed recipient. Detailed notes must be maintained for every patient noting all drugs administered and the time of administration. 

Staff Screening

Idaho requires all staff with direct patient access to complete a criminal history and background check that searches databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, Sexual Offender Registry, Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals and Entities and the Nurse Aide Registry. Prior to the completion of the background check, individuals may only have monitored patient access and a fingerprint check must be complete within 21 days of hire. 

Staff Training

Idaho has no requirements for certification for a nurse's aide. A nurse aide performs all duties under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. A registered nurse undergoes 15 hours of continuing education each year after obtaining their original license to practice. 

Medicaid Coverage

Seniors who qualify for Medicaid through the nursing home programs make up the majority of nursing home residents in Idaho. Medicaid pays for much of the cost related to providing complex medical services to aging adults, particularly when the cost exceeds the income of the resident. 

Reporting Abuse

When a senior, friend or loved one suspects mistreatment of an elderly person living in a nursing home, the Idaho Long Term Care Ombudsman program is the first place with which to file a report. Concerned citizens can also call the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116.


Free Nursing Home Resources in Idaho



Idaho Legal Aid Services

Idaho Legal Aid is the largest nonprofit legal services firm in the state and operates seven regional and two satellite offices for local consults. Seniors have access to the expanded hours on the Senior Legal Hotline, which offers all telephone consultations for free to seniors 60 and over, regardless of income. A recent grant from the Idaho Commission on Aging has allowed Idaho Legal Aid to expand hours of operations for this hotline. Some services that may be particularly helpful to seniors include estate planning, benefits assistance or any civil legal matter for which a senior may need advice. The Senior Legal Hotline can be reached at (866) 345-0106.



Idaho Agencies


Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Address: Various offices
Phone Number: (800) 926-2588
Website: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is the administrating body for important public health programs including Medicaid, SNAP benefits and other financial assistance programs that may be available for seniors and disabled adults. It's also the agency responsible for nursing home licensing and inspections, ensuring the elderly receive high-quality care in a variety of settings. 



Area Agencies on Aging in Idaho


Idaho has six Area Agencies on Aging that offer a variety of supports and services to seniors and their family members throughout the state. Each agency serves residents in the local region and may have local programs designed to fill gaps left by federal and state programs. Some programs that may be available include insurance and benefits counseling, meal delivery services, transportation assistance and long-term care planning. Visit the Idaho Commission on Aging to find a local office. 



Veteran Affairs Office in Idaho


The Idaho Division of Veterans Services maintains regional offices throughout the state to assist former service members with benefits and appeals. The Aid & Attendance benefit is one of the few programs that provide a direct cash benefit to those who qualify to pay for long-term residential support, including both assisted living and nursing home facilities. With nine offices operating throughout the state, both online and in-person services are available. 



Social Security Offices in Idaho


The Social Security Administration is a federal agency that operates in every state. The SSA is the agency that is responsible for many retirement-related functions including Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. Older Idahoans may select a Medicare plan and arrange to start collecting Social Security through a local office. To apply for benefits or start the process of retirement, seniors can find a local office.

Click Here to Request Pricing Info

Please Wait... Your Information is Processing