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Nursing Homes in Kansas

Nursing home care is a common long-term care option for seniors who are managing a chronic condition or those getting over a surgical procedure or injury. They may offer either long-term or short-term stays, depending on individual needs. Currently, 321 nursing homes in the state provide a place of care and housing for more than 14,900 seniors.

Nursing homes offer comprehensive, round-the-clock assistance, so it’s no secret that it’s the most expensive type of care. Many seniors use a personal fund to pay for entry into a nursing home, while others rely strictly on public and private benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid. The cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home in Kansas is around $7,908 per month, which is the same as the national average. A private room is around $9,034 per month. This equates to a yearly cost between $94,900 and $108,405, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

This guide covers information on how to pay for nursing home care, including detailed information on Medicare and Medicaid.

Popular Cities in Kansas

Wichita

Cost of Kansas Nursing Homes

The average cost of nursing homes in Kansas is $165 per day. This is higher than the national average which is $228 per day.

 

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Nursing Home Care in Kansas?

In Kansas, the state Medicaid program is referred to as KanCare. Kansas Medicaid will pay for nursing home care if a physician provides an order for the services that are needed. Medicaid may cover both skilled nursing services and other medical services, as well as some home and community-based services.

Approximately 500,358 people are enrolled in Kansas Medicaid as of December 2022. Enrollment numbers have increased since the state began working to raise awareness of the program in October 2013. These numbers include both seniors and children who require coverage.

The Kansas Home and Community-Based Services waivers help cover nonmedical assistance, such as bathing, grooming, meals and transportation, for seniors in long-term care.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas

Most states have specific income limits in order to qualify for state Medicaid. In Kansas, there are no income requirements; however, any amount of income over $62 per month must go towards the cost of nursing home care. Single applicants must also have assets totaling no more than $2,000, while a married couple can have assets totaling no more than $3,000.

When only one spouse applies for Medicaid and must receive nursing home care, the remaining spouse may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Needs Allowance under the Spousal Impoverishment Rule. In Kansas, if the remaining spouse’s income is less than $2,288.75, amounts can be transferred by the applicant spouse to bring their income up to this amount. The goal is to ensure the spouse who remains in the home can still afford to pay bills.

Income Limits*Asset Limits
Single PersonNo set income$2,000
Two-Person HouseholdNo set income$3,000

Seniors applying for Kansas Medicaid must also meet additional qualifications in order to receive benefits. These qualifications include:

  • 65 years of age or older
  • Resident of Kansas
  • U.S. citizen or legal alien
  • Require a nursing home level of care

Applying for Medicaid in Kansas

Seniors may apply for KanCare using the online portal or may contact the program directly at (800) 792-4884. Applications are also available for download and seniors can fax the application and supporting documents to (844) 264-6285 or mail the signed application to:
KanCare Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 3599
Topeka, KS 66601-9738

What Information You Will Need

Having the appropriate documentation can speed the application process along. Information you should be prepared to submit include:

  • Birth certificate or proof of citizenship
  • Social Security number for each applicant
  • Copies of pay stubs for the last 30 days
  • Bank account statements for the last three months
  • Reward letters from Social Security and retirement accounts
  • Proof of health and life insurance

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Kansas

Several resources are available to help seniors apply for state Medicaid. Seniors can contact any of these resources for answers to questions about qualifications and approvals.

ContactService
Benefits.gov(800) 792-4884Benefits.gov is a federal website that provides information on available state benefits. There’s a questionnaire that helps seniors determine what services they qualify for. Individuals can contact the program directly to receive answers about qualifications, applications and where to go for additional help.
Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)(800) 792-4884KMAP provides information on Medicare, Medicaid and other state benefits. There’s a provider directory so seniors can search for physicians and medical centers that accept state and federal benefit programs. There’s also a list of publications on topics of interest to older adults.
Kansas Consumer Assistance(800) 432-2484Kansas Consumer Assistance helps answer questions about health insurance and the different types of coverage. It can also provide additional contact information for other public benefit programs.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Nursing Home Care in Kansas?

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.

Medicare Support & Resources in Kansas

Nursing homes can be costly, and Medicare is a public benefit program that can help cover the cost of care. Seniors who need assistance navigating Medicare and the different sections can get information and assistance from several state agencies.

ContactService
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability(785) 296-4986The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability provides multiple long-term services and support, including insurance counseling. The agency offers unbiased information about Medicare and helps seniors understand their options and which parts of the program they need.
Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging(785) 267-1336The Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging oversees the state’s local agencies, which help seniors with many challenges and daily needs. Seniors applying for Medicare can get help with understanding and maximizing their benefits and can get additional information on private health and drug plans.
Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol(800) 432 -3535The Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps seniors and their family members identify and fight against Medicare fraud and abuse. It provides education and outreach programs and provides details on what state and federal agencies to go to when fraud has been detected.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Kansas

While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.

How to ApplyHow It Works
Aid and AttendanceLearn more and apply online at va.gov.Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
Reverse MortgagesLearn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov.If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. 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. This type of funding can be especially useful for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) InsuranceLearn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be covered for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost of nursing home care, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Kansas

Licensing RequirementsNursing homes in Kansas are licensed by the Secretary of Aging and Disability Services.
Staffing RequirementsEach resident must receive 2 hours of care in a 24-hour period, which must be provided by RNs, LPNs or certified nurse’s aides. One provider must be employed for every 30 residents, and at least one RN and two staff members must be on duty.
Staff Training RequirementsAll nursing homes must provide ongoing education and in-service training for all staff members. A complete record of all training activities must be included in individual personnel records.
Admission RestrictionsNursing homes must be fully authorized to treat a resident’s condition, or it could result in the revocation of the community’s license. There should be a written admissions policy in place and all residents must provide a written recommendation from a physician recommending nursing home care.
Care Planning RequirementsEach resident must receive a personal care plan within seven days of admission that outlines the level of care and timelines for all activities. The care plan is written by an interdisciplinary team that includes a doctor, RN, residents’ legal representative and a family member.
Dietary and Nutritional Services RequirementsNutritional meals must be planned by a licensed dietitian to meet the needs of all residents, including special dietary needs. All meals must contain no less than 20% of a resident’s total daily calorie intake. Menus must be available at least two weeks in advance.
Specialized Rehabilitative ServicesOccupational, speech, audiology and physical therapy must be provided to all residents. If the facility can’t provide the services in-house, arrangements for off-site services must be available.
Medication and Pharmaceutical ServicesA full-time licensed pharmacist must be available to provide and administer drugs and biologicals for all residents. Medications must be stored and labeled correctly, and detailed records must be maintained.
Activities RequirementsResidents should have access to activities and programs of interest, which should be planned by a qualified activities director. These programs should satisfy the physical, mental and social needs of each individual.
Infection Control RequirementsNursing homes should refer to the current CDC guidelines to control infectious diseases and have a written plan in place for the health and safety of residents and staff.
Medicaid CoverageSeniors who meet income and asset limits may apply for Medicaid to help pay for nursing home care. Those who use Medicaid to pay for services should look for Medicaid-approved facilities.

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