Ranking the Best Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids, IA

Deciding on a nursing home for yourself or a loved one is not an easy decision, nor one that should be taken lightly. We all want the best quality of care for our loved ones that we can reasonably afford, and a convenient location is a bonus as well.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues star ratings for all nursing homes – including those in Cedar Rapids – each year, using a 5-star scale. The overall rating is based on a nursing home's performance on 3 sources: health inspections, staffing, and quality of resident care measures.

This list of nursing homes in Cedar Rapids is sorted for CMS quality scores, with 5 stars representing the highest rating. 

The list above contains only nursing homes in Cedar Rapids. If you wish to expand the list to include those outside the city limits, you may do so by using the Medicare.gov Care Compare nursing home search tool.

How Much Do Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cost?

Beyond quality, many people looking for a nursing home in Cedar Rapids may also consider the cost. Fortunately for those in Iowa, the state is on the lower end of the national average for nursing home costs. However, that still amounts to an average cost of $6,540 per month for a semi-private room. 

 Many nursing home residents may get some help covering the cost with some sort of insurance. Some private health insurance plans may offer some nursing home benefits. Some long-term care insurance plans may also cover nursing home costs. And depending on your state, Medicaid may cover some nursing home costs. 

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids?

Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) coverage of nursing homes is limited to skilled nursing care.

One other type of care often delivered at nursing homes is custodial care, which includes assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and other activities of daily living. This type of care is in a nursing home not covered by Original Medicare when it’s the only type of care needed. 

Skilled nursing care is care that is delivered with a medical purpose, such as taking care of bandages, administering therapy or giving injections. Skilled nursing care may be given at a traditional nursing home or at a skilled nursing facility. Medicare coverage of skilled nursing care is designed for those who are recovering from an inpatient hospital stay after an operation, illness or injury.  

Medicare Part A covers the first 20 days of an inpatient stay at a skilled nursing facility. For days 21-100 of a skilled nursing facility stay, Medicare beneficiaries must make a copayment of $194.50 per day in 2022. For any stays lasting longer than 100 days, beneficiaries are responsible for all costs. The daily copayments can be covered by some Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids?

Medicaid coverage can differ from state to state but will generally cover nursing home stays for those who are determined by a doctor to need a nursing home level of care. That may require an assessment to determine if you require skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services or other care that you are unable to administer yourself. 

For those who qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid will cover room and board and all care during the nursing home stay. The Iowa Medicaid program also includes a waiver that allows Medicaid beneficiaries to remain living at home or in an assisted living facility and receive coverage for certain at-home care services similar to what would be given in a nursing home.  

Additional Resources for Long-Term Care in Cedar Rapids, IA

Anyone looking for a nursing home for themselves or a loved one in Iowa may find the following resources beneficial:

• Medicare coverage of nursing home care 
• Iowa Medicaid program
• Iowa Medicaid Waiver Program 
• Long-term care calculator
• Directory of nursing homes in Cedar Rapids, IA
• Aging services in Cedar Rapids, IA
• Iowa nursing home ombudsman program
• Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging