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Nursing Homes in Utah

Nursing home care may be right for seniors who need around-the-clock care. These facilities provide skilled nursing and medical services in a residential setting with staff on-site 24/7. In Utah, there are 98 nursing homes to accommodate seniors who need a higher care level than assisted living or home care can provide.

Besides providing skilled medical care such as IV administration, catheter maintenance and wound care, nursing facilities also often have amenities such as housekeeping and laundry. Care plans are typically devised on a case-by-case basis with each resident’s doctor and family members included in the process.

The senior population comprises 11.7% of the state’s estimated 3,380,800 residents, and approximately 5,241 seniors reside in nursing facilities. In this guide, seniors and family members can learn more about paying for nursing home services in Utah. Medicare and Medicaid information is also included along with details about nursing home rules and regulations.

Popular Cities in Utah

Salt Lake City

Cost of Utah Nursing Homes

The average cost of nursing homes in Utah is $175 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 Utah?

Seniors who meet eligibility requirements may be able to use Medicaid to pay for nursing home care in Utah. The state’s Medicaid program may pay some or all nursing facility expenses, depending on factors such as income and assets. There’s also the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Aging Waiver, which covers eligible seniors, including nursing home residents, for residential and community-based services, including case and financial management.

There are 479,584 Utah residents enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. This figure represents a 63.11% increase since 2013 when program changes were implemented. Some of these individuals are seniors in nursing facilities.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Utah

According to 2022 Medicaid income limits, single seniors in Utah have an income limit of $19,392 annually. For a two-person household, the income limit is $26,232. Both single- and two-person households have an asset limit of $2,000.

Income Limits*Asset Limits
Single Person$19,392$2,000
Two-Person Household$26,232$2,000

*Per year

There are eligibility requirements that seniors must meet in order to qualify for Medicaid or an Aging Waiver. The following criteria are used to determine whether or not an individual qualifies for coverage. Senior applicants must:

  • Reside in Utah
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Be aged 65 or over
  • Have their doctor determine if nursing-home-level care is needed
  • Meet financial requirements
  • Provide all necessary documentation

Applying for Medicaid in Utah

Seniors or their legal representatives in Utah can apply for Medicaid online, by phone or in person. The phone number to apply or inquire about Medicaid applications is (866) 435-7414. Applications are also accepted by fax at (888) 522-9505.

Anyone who prefers to apply by fax, in-person or by mail must download, print and complete an application, which can be done on the Utah Medicaid application page. All applications go to the Department of Workforce Services for processing, which is where in-person applications are taken. Applicants can contact or visit their local DWS office with questions or to apply. Below is a list of documentation seniors or their family members will need to provide along with the completed application. DWS offices can verify the documentation that must be included with a Medicaid application and answer any questions about the application process.

What Information You Will Need

  • Proof of identity and citizenship
  • Proof of income for all household members
  • Proof of assets including bank statements and deeds
  • Copies of insurance policies
  • Applicants’ Social Security numbers

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Utah

Elderly Utah residents in need of nursing home care or the family members who represent them can find help with Medicaid through the following resources. These offices and agencies provide application help, answer coverage questions and may help cover costs related to nursing facility care.

ContactService
Take Care UtahSchedule an appointment online or call (801) 850-0008.Take Care Utah is a nonprofit service free to anyone who needs help applying for Medicaid. This organization provides Medicaid education and application assistance to thousands of individuals statewide.
Utah Medicaid HelplineCall (866) 435-7414 for questions about eligibility. All other questions can be directed to (866) 608-9422.Medicaid has a dedicated helpline to answer eligibility questions. There's a separate number for all other questions. Seniors or their families may also find helpful information on the Utah Medicaid website.
Utah Insurance Department Long-Term Care Insurance(800) 439-3805Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care and not all seniors qualify for Medicaid. A long-term care insurance policy can help this demographic cover the costs of nursing home care.

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

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 Utah

Family members of seniors in nursing homes or seniors who are capable can receive Medicare support and counsel through the following agencies. These services help with claims, understanding benefits, filing appeals and other Medicare-related issues for Utah seniors.

ContactService
The Utah Commission on AgingVisit the commission’s website to find a local Area Agency on Aging or call (801) 213-4156.The Utah Commission on Aging is the state hub for elderly and caregiver resources. Seniors and their families can find local aging agencies and connect with resources for older adults online.
Utah Aging & Adult Services(801) 538-3910Through Utah Aging & Adult Services, family members of seniors in nursing care can access their local Medicare Assistance SHIP counseling office for help with Medicare applications, claims and understanding benefits.
Medicare.gov(800) 633-4227Information and assistance regarding Medicare benefits are also available through Medicare.gov. In addition to many educational articles, the site has a live chat and a phone number where seniors or loved ones can reach a representative for live assistance.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Utah

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 Utah

Licensing RequirementsThe Utah Department of Licensing & Background Checks regulates nursing homes throughout the state. These laws fall under the Utah Administrative Code Rule R432-150 and the Utah DHS. Nursing homes must meet certification requirements and pass inspections to become and stay licensed.
Staffing RequirementsUtah requires nursing homes to have a director with RN credentials and a licensed administrator. Staff is screened and immunized for diseases per current Utah guidelines. Every employee takes a tuberculosis test prior to starting employment, and there must be a charge nurse on-site 24/7.
Staff Training RequirementsUtah requires all staff to be trained annually in safety, emergency and fire prevention procedures. Safety procedures, resident rights and infection control measures are also part of training. Any unlicensed personnel work under a licensed nurse and must have basic CPR and first aid training.
Admission RestrictionsUtah nursing facilities are for seniors whose mental or physical care needs aren’t manageable in another setting, such as assisted living. In some cases, admission may be denied due to risk factors, including violent behavior or transmissible disease.
Care Planning RequirementsEach resident’s physician must provide orders to the nursing facility regarding care needs. Within 14 days of admission, a detailed care plan must be developed. Reviews take place every 90 days and annually. If health changes occur, care plans must be reviewed within 14 days.
Dietary and Nutritional Services RequirementsNursing homes must have a dietician or dietary supervisor on staff. Common areas must have menus clearly posted. Each 21-day cycle must have unique daily menus and dining assistants must complete an 8-hour training program. Breakfast and dinner cannot be more than 14 hours apart.
Specialized Rehabilitative ServicesUtah nursing homes may offer rehab services in various specializations. Nursing home employees or contractors who perform rehabilitative services must be state-licensed. A physician must prescribe all rehabilitation services. Monthly reviews between the doctor and physical therapist are also required.
Medication and Pharmaceutical ServicesA licensed pharmacist must be employed or contracted by every Utah nursing home. This professional handles the dispensing and record keeping of pharmaceuticals. Medication reviews are conducted monthly and safe handling and storage procedures are enforced. Nursing homes must have an inventory of emergency medications on-site.
Activities RequirementsNursing homes in Utah are expected to have a recreation program for residents. Every month a calendar of daily activities must be posted in clear view of residents and staff.
Infection Control RequirementsUtah nursing homes are required to have infection control guidelines in place that adhere to state health recommendations.
Medicaid CoverageSeniors who receive Utah Medicaid are eligible for nursing home placement if they meet the clinical and state requirements for admission.

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