Profile of Nursing Facilities in Nebraska

Nursing facilities are an integral part of the long term care continuum. Long term care includes subacute, rehabilitative, medical, skilled nursing, and supportive social services for people who have functional limitations or chronic health conditions and who need ongoing health care or assistance with normal activities of daily living. Long term care services are provided in nursing facilities as well as a variety of other settings, such as assisted living, home and community-based settings, and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded.

Currently, the state and federal government under Medicare and Medicaid programs fund approximately 60 percent of the nation’s long term care costs. Medicare long term care services are covered by Part A, "Skilled Nursing Facility" (SNF) services which are associated with post-operative or post-hospitalization including rehabilitation therapies. Medicaid "Nursing Facility" (NF) services are provided to residents who meet Medicaid, low-income eligibility requirements.

Some pertinent facts about nursing facilities and residents of nursing facilities in Nebraska:

  • Approximately 13,600 individuals live in the state's 228 nursing facilities.
  • There are approximately 16,400 nursing facility beds in the state.
  • 13.6 % of facilities are hospital based.
  • 49.12 % of facilities are part owned or leased by a multi-facility organization.
  • 50.88 % of facilities are independently owned.
  • Average number of beds in a facility: 72
  • Average occupancy rate: 86.68 %
  • Nursing facility ownership:
    • 46.93 % for-profit corporations
    • 32.02 % not-for-profit corporations
    • 21.05 % government (city, county, and state)
  • The age of nursing facility residents:
    • 0 - 64: 1,188
    • 65 - 74: 1,739
    • 75 - 84: 4,714
    • 85+: 8,119
  • The average nursing facility resident needs help with approximately 3.90 activities of daily living. Activities of daily living include eating, transferring, toileting, dressing, and bathing.
  • Source of payment for nursing facility residents:
    • 53.74 % Medicaid
    • 7.37 % Medicare
    • 38.89 % Private pay, including long-term care insurance.
  • On average, the cost for nursing facility services in Nebraska is $41,000 per year. There is a slight differential between urban and rural costs. Daily rates include room, board, nursing care, therapeutic activities, and social services. Other services, such as physical and speech therapy, are frequently billed separately.

3900 NW 12th St Suite 100 Lincoln NE 68521
Phone: (402) 435-3551 Fax: (402) 475-6289

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