What coverage does Medicaid provide for nursing home care?
For those who are eligible, Medicaid will cover most costs relating to nursing home care. Medicaid will pay for room and meals, the nursing home staff, nurses, therapists, doctor’s visits, some prescription drugs, dental care, medical equipment such as wheel chairs, eyeglasses and hearing aids. Medicaid will not pay for podiatrists, chiropractors, naturopaths, and independent: psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, and physical therapists. Medicaid will usually not pay for a single room and will not pay for televisions or phones. Under federal law, the facility must inform each resident who is entitled to Medicaid benefits, in writing, at the time of admission to the nursing facility, or when the resident becomes eligible for Medicaid of the items and services that are included in nursing facility services under Medicaid. The facility must also give notice to residents as to other items and services that the facility offers and which are not covered by Medicaid for which the
