Ranking the Best Nursing Homes in Philadelphia, PA

Quality of care is one of the most important factors when deciding on a nursing home for yourself or a loved one. To help those researching their options in the Philadelphia area, we’ve compiled this list of the best nursing homes in Philadelphia, PA. 

The list is sorted by each nursing home’s overall star rating from the Centers or Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The overall rating is based on a nursing home's performance on 3 sources: health inspections, staffing, and quality of resident care measures. Ratings are based on a 5-star scale, with 5 being the highest rating. 

It’s worth noting that the list above includes only nursing homes that have a Philadelphia address. There may be additional nursing homes just outside the city in the greater metro area that could be worth considering in your search as well. 

Considering the Cost of Nursing Homes in Philadelphia, PA

Quality of care and of the facility itself is often first and foremost for many when choosing a nursing home. But nursing homes can be expensive, so cost may be an important factor for most people.

Nursing homes in Pennsylvania are among the most expensive in the U.S. The average cost of a nursing home in Pennsylvania in 2021 was more than $11,000 per month for a semi-private room.

Nearly all the nursing homes on the above list accept both Medicare and Medicaid as payment. Three of the homes accept Medicare but not Medicaid, and one home accepts Medicaid but not Medicare. Some private insurance plans may include nursing home coverage, but nursing home benefits are most often found in standalone long-term care insurance plans.

Some private Medicare plans known as Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans can provide additional benefits related to long-term care and aging in place. 

When choosing a nursing home, it’s important to know how the care might be covered by your loved one’s insurance. Below is a look at how nursing homes in Philadelphia are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Homes in Philadelphia, PA?

Medicare covers skilled nursing care administered at a nursing home or temporary stays at skilled nursing facilities, but Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care at a nursing home.

Skilled nursing care refers to things like changing bandages, administering IVs, physical therapy and other types of medical care. Custodial care refers to things like dressing, bathing, eating and other activities of daily living. 

Custodial care is not covered by Medicare when it’s the only type of care needed. People who move into a nursing home because they are no longer able to live independently will typically rely mostly on custodial care. Medicare coverage will only kick in should that person need any skilled nursing care while at the facility. 

Skilled nursing facility stays are more typical for people who have recently suffered a fall or undergone an operation and need some living assistance for a few weeks or months before being able to return home.

• Medicare Part A covers the first 20 days of a stay at a skilled nursing facility, with no daily copayment required. It must be considered medically necessary for beneficiaries to receive skilled nursing care for Medicare to cover it. 
• For days 21 to 100 of a stay in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare requires a copayment of $194.50 per day (in 2022).
• Beyond 100 days, beneficiaries are responsible for all costs. 

Medicare beneficiaries can use a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan to cover the full cost of those daily copayments along with receiving Medicare coverage beyond the 100-day limit. 

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Homes in Philadelphia, PA?

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program will cover nursing home care if it’s determined by a doctor to be medically necessary, or if it meets the “nursing home level of care.” That means that a Medicare beneficiary must need skilled nursing, rehabilitation services or some other type of health-related care on a regular basis that cannot be administered at home.

Pennsylvania requires a Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) before granting acceptance into a nursing home. This screening provides an assessment on whether the person meets the standards required for Medicaid coverage. 

 If you qualify for Medicaid and are need a nursing home level of care, Medicaid will provide coverage of your room and board along with your care. 

Additional Resources for Long-Term Care in Philadelphia, PA

Below are some additional resources that may be helpful to anyone seeking nursing home care in Philadelphia, PA.

• Medicare coverage of nursing home care
• Pennsylvania Medicaid program
• Long-term care calculator
• Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE)  
• Domiciliary Care Services for Adults program
• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
• Pennsylvania’s Options Program
• HealthChoices
• Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania