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Nursing Homes in Oklahoma
Oklahoma can be a good retirement destination as it’s one of the country’s more affordable states. According to U.S. News, Oklahoma ranks fourth overall in affordability. Oklahoma City was also ranked as the best place for military retirees. Out of Oklahoma’s population of 3,956,971, over 635,000 are 65 and older. According to an Oklahoma State Plan on Aging report, by 2030, the older Oklahoman population is expected to increase by 27.6%. The number of Oklahoman adults over 60 with disabilities is also rising due to a longer life expectancy. These trends may cause challenges for Oklahoma’s health and aging network.
Oklahoma has over 200 nursing homes with 26,993 licensed beds. Approximately 17,213 seniors reside in nursing facilities. Nursing homes provide around the clock skilled nursing care for individuals who need a higher level of supervision. In Oklahoma, a semiprivate room in a nursing home costs an average of $5,323 per month, and a private room averages $5,779, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020.
This guide dives into nursing home care costs in Oklahoma, the state Medicaid program, helpful resources for seniors and nursing home rules and regulations.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Oklahoma
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, Oklahoma’s average cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $5,323 per month, over $2,000 less than the national average of $7,756. Nursing home costs in Kansas, Texas and Arkansas are also lower than the national figures. In Texas, the average nursing home costs are over $300 cheaper than in Oklahoma. However, both Arkansas and Kansas have more expensive nursing home costs than Oklahoma, at $5,931 and $6,692.
The state capital of Oklahoma City has the least expensive nursing home option in Oklahoma, averaging $5,247 per month. This cost is also lower than both the state and national averages. Seniors in Tulsa, the second-largest city in the state, pay an average of $76 more than those in Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Enid and Lawton seniors pay the most for nursing home care in Oklahoma, at $5,597 per month. In the Texas city of Wichita Falls, near the border with Oklahoma, seniors can expect to pay significantly less than Oklahoma City residents, with a savings of more than $700 per month.
Oklahoma City
$5247
Tulsa
$5323
Enid
$5597
Lawton
$5597
Wichita Falls, TX
$4502
Nursing homes are the most expensive care option in Oklahoma. A semiprivate room costs an average of $5,323 per month. In contrast, seniors can save over $3,000 per month for adult day care compared to nursing homes. Assisted living is the second least costly option in Oklahoma, at $3,750. Some seniors may opt for in-home services, which can save them between $700 and $900 per month compared to nursing home care.
Adult Day Care
$1517
Assisted Living
$3750
Home Care
$4385
Home Health Care
$4566
Nursing Home Care
$5323
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, Medicaid is known as SoonerCare. The program enrolls more than a million residents throughout the state, with seniors representing approximately 6%, or just over 74,000 of the members. Of these, approximately 13,600 live in long-term care facilities. Medicaid pays for all nursing home care, including room and board, as well as some personal care. There are nursing homes in every corner of the state — over 280, with 26,993 licensed beds. Nursing homes typically provide short-term rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care with access to 24/7 medical attention, three meals a day, therapeutic services and planned daily activities.
Oklahoma provides Medicaid Waiver plans for seniors who wish to delay going into an institutional setting. Home and Community-Based Services Waivers like the ADvantage Program provide a variety of services for seniors in their homes or in assisted living communities, including adult day care, home modifications, personal care assistance, meal delivery, medical/nonmedical transportation or access to disposable medical supplies.
The ADvantage Waiver is managed by the Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The Personal Care Program, as it’s sometimes called, is another Medicaid-sponsored senior plan that provides seniors with financial assistance to pay personal caregivers (sometimes family members) to shop, clean and help them prepare meals.
Medicaid Eligibility in Oklahoma
There are two parts to establishing eligibility for Medicaid in Oklahoma. First, seniors must require a nursing facility level of care (NFLOC). While proof of NFLOC isn’t always necessary to receive regular Medicaid, seniors must have some need for assistance to complete activities of daily living. This is perhaps the most confusing process of the application, as the income requirements can become convoluted.
For long-term care services, single SoonerCare applicants must have a monthly income lower than $2,742 per month. Married applicants can make up to $5,484/month if both are applying for service. If only one is applying, only the applicant’s income is counted.
It’s important to note that if only one spouse is going to enter a nursing home, the non-applicant spouse is entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) of up to $3,435/month because of the Spousal Impoverishment Act. If the spouse is already making more than this amount each month, they’re not eligible for this allowance.
The value of assets at the time of the application can’t be more than $2,000 each, but if only one person in the household is applying, the non-applicant can have up to $148,620. The primary residence is typically exempt from consideration as an asset as long as the applicant currently resides in the home and the equity interest is no higher than $603,000. Additionally, home, furnishings, personal effects and the primary vehicle are also exempt from consideration.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808 | $4,000*** |
*Except for a $75/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Assets are limited to $2,000 per spouse
A senior applying for SoonerCare must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Reside in the state of Oklahoma with the intent of staying within the state. Individuals who reside in a temporary residential dormitory on tribal land are considered residents of the state for purposes of eligibility.
How To Apply for Medicaid in Oklahoma
Seniors who want to apply for Oklahoma Medicaid can do so at their local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Alternatively, they can download the PS-1 Request for Services application from the DHS website. For assistance in filling out the SoonerCare application, seniors can call their Helpline at (800) 987-7767.
Information You Will Need :
- Proof of taxable income for you and your spouse
- Current health insurance information (or most recent)
- Social Security numbers and dates of birth for everyone in the home
- Proof of identity/citizenship
- Employment information providing income for all employed members of the household
- Other sources of income
- Current health insurance information, including company name, policy/group number, coverage type, the effective date of coverage, policyholder’s name and ID
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Oklahoma
Applying for Medicaid in today’s digital landscape involves a certain amount of guesswork and a lot of computer savvy. While the application process is straightforward, the following resources can help seniors breeze through the paperwork with confidence.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Health Care Authority | (800) 963-5337 | The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is the supporting department behind the SoonerCare program, so seniors who have questions or concerns regarding the program can get their answers straight from the source. Visitors to the OHCA homepage can find links to the MySoonerCare Portal and information regarding other Medicaid-based programs. Additionally, they can find information and resources that can help them make the right decision about vaccines. |
| American Council on Aging | Online Only | The American Council On Aging collaborates with Medicaid experts to create a comprehensive source of information on the program for seniors all over the country. With links to information on how to apply to individual Medicaid-based programs and even what to do when denied coverage, seniors who visit the ACOA page are bound to find the answers they need. The site also offers interactive features such as the Spend Down Calculator and a Medicaid Eligibility Test. |
| Benefits.gov | (405) 522-7300 | This is a government website designed to present users with easy-to-digest information on the many benefit programs available to them. Seniors can find detailed, program-specific overviews with plenty of avenues for finding out more (phone numbers, program links, related pages), and, if applicable, can take an eligibility quiz to see if they qualify for the program. Alternatively, they can take the Benefit finder questionnaire, which will match them to programs that could meet their needs. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma
Most American citizens are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, but not everyone is comfortable sifting through the enormous library of information to capitalize on the program’s benefits. The resources below can help seniors learn more about their health insurance options.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program | (800) 763-2828 | SHIP is a nonprofit agency that can help seniors learn about Medicare and other senior health insurance topics. From counseling and advocacy services to helping choose the right supplemental insurance plan, this program provides the advice and support seniors need to make the right choice regarding their future health coverage. |
| Oklahoma Human Services MIPPA | (877) 751-2972 | The Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act (MIPPA) is administered by the Oklahoma Human Services department. Seniors who need financial assistance to supplement their Medicare plan coverage can apply for a Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) to help pay for prescription medications or for assistance from the Medicare Savings Program, which will reduce or eliminate Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums. |
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | The best place for help with issues related to Medicare is to go to the source. Medicare.gov is a federal web page for seniors who are enrolled in or are trying to enroll in the program. Visitors to the site will find the most detailed overview of the program available, as well as access to step-by-step instructions for enrolling in Medicare or any of its associated programs. Live chat and callback features ensure visitors find the information they're looking for. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Oklahoma
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.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn 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 Mortgages | Learn 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. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn 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 able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Oklahoma
There are many resources in Oklahoma that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging | The Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging (O4A) represents nonprofit and state agencies that provide aging services in each county. It creates structures that help vulnerable seniors remain independent and live in their own homes. These programs provide seniors aged 60 and over with services including personal care, transportation, chores, medication management, adult day services and legal services. Agencies also provide health screenings, senior activities and hot meals at congregate centers. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Oklahoma provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Oklahoma seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma ADvantage Waiver Program | 405-522-7300 | The ADvantage Waiver Program helps seniors remain independent and live in their own homes. It offers an alternative to living in a nursing facility with numerous homebased services, such as personal care, skilled nursing in a home health setting, homedelivered meals, specialized medical equipment and prescriptions. |
| Oklahoma Medically Fragile Program | 888-287-2443 | The Medically Fragile Program provides Medicaid-eligible adults with an alternative to living in a nursing facility. Applicants with an institutional level of care can remain in their homes or a residential setting while receiving care through advanced supportive assistance, home-delivered meals, prescriptions, skilled nursing and specialized equipment. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Oklahoma seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | 405-521-3581 | Oklahoma Commodity Supplemental Food Program helps improve the health of the elderly by providing them with nutritious food to supplement their diet. Seniors aged 60 and older classified as low-income can apply for the program, and successful applicants receive items typically lacking from their diets. CSFP food packages contain a variety of highly nutritious goods, including nonfat dry milk, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, noodles and canned meat, fish or poultry. |
| Oklahoma Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | 405-521-4089 | The Oklahoma S.F.M.N.P. makes it easy for Owasso's low-income seniors to access fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, helping them eat healthier and save money on grocery bills as they move into an assisted living environment. Seniors who meet income requirements receive E.B.T. cards, letting them purchase locally grown foods without any personal expense. To apply, seniors should contact the I.A.A.A. |
| Oklahoma Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 866-411-1877 | The Oklahoma Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income older adults obtain nutritious food. To be eligible, seniors must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens and meet certain income standards. They are then provided with an electronic benefits transfer card to utilize when purchasing eligible food and beverage purchases in grocery stores and farmers' markets statewide. These funds can be used for the majority of food purchases but can't be used for prepared food items, alcohol, beer or tobacco products. |
| Oklahoma Meals on Wheels | 918-921-5388 | Meals on Wheels is a community-based program that delivers in-home meals to vulnerable seniors throughout Oklahoma. The program has a sliding-fee scale to make it cost-effective for all income levels and strives to meet older adults' nutritional and social needs through meal deliveries made by local branches statewide. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Oklahoma collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma ABLE Tech | 405-744-9748 | The Oklahoma ABLE Tech Device Reuse Program provides free, gently used medical equipment to those in need. If the equipment is no longer needed, it must be returned. Each piece of donated equipment is cleaned, repaired, and refurbished to ensure its safety for the next user. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Oklahoma have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Section 504 Home Repair Program | 405-742-1109 | Seniors can use grant funds to remove health and safety hazards, with $10,000 as the maximum grant amount allowed. They can submit their applications through their local Rural Development office year-round. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Oklahoma seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. | 800-421-1641 | Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides pro bono law help for seniors and their caregivers. The organization handles only civil cases and can assist with legal issues ranging from housing and health questions to family law and probate concerns. Seniors in need of legal assistance may call the free OK-SPLASH hotline Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to speak with a LASO representative. The organization also maintains 18 offices around the state for in-person appointments. |
| Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 405-521-2281 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can assist senior citizens and their families who have concerns about care providers. The state-sponsored advocate for seniors' rights will investigate and attempt to resolve the situation with the provider on the senior's behalf. Ombudsmen may recommend changes within a facility and do not reveal information that could identify the complainant. |
| Oklahoma Sixty-Plus Legal Aid Services Helpline (OKS-PLASH) | 800-488-6814 | The Oklahoma Sixty-Plus Legal Aid Services Helpline supports those aged 60 and over who require legal assistance. The helpline can answer basic questions about wills, Social Security underpayments, housing issues, food stamps, long-term care issues and other civil legal problems. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Oklahoma help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Senior Corps | The Senior Corps Program works with those aged 55 and older who meet income guidelines. Seniors have the opportunity to get involved with three programs: the RSVP, Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program. These opportunities allow seniors to share their skills, make new social connections and help their community in their spare time. | |
| Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter | 405-319-0780 | The Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association educates and supports elderly individuals with the condition and the families dealing with its effects. The chapter's staff is highly trained and can assist people on every stage of their journey. As well as helping seniors manage medications and evaluate other forms of care, they also refer them to legal and financial advisors who can assist with estate planning. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Oklahoma help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Oklahoma retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-879-6552 | LIHEAP is a federally funded program available through OKDHS that helps pay home energy costs. During open enrollment, seniors may apply online or visit their local DHS office. Seniors with a medical condition requiring either heating or cooling for life dependency may qualify for life-threatening crisis assistance. |
Veteran's Services
Oklahoma retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma VA Benefits and Health Care | Through the Oklahoma VA Benefits and Health Care program, seniors in the state who served in the military can access health care services and financial benefits. For many, this includes free medical care at approved VA clinics. Between community-based VA health clinics spread throughout the state and the Veterans Benefits Administration office in Muskogee, seniors can access these benefits at a location near them. | |
| Oklahoma VA Aid and Attendance Benefit and Housebound Allowance | 800-827-1000 | The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is an additional monthly payment to the VA pension. It's to help with costs for U.S. military veterans and their spouses living in nursing homes. Eligible vets who are housebound can apply for the Housebound Allowance to contribute towards their home care costs. There is no need to repay either benefit. To check eligibility, seniors can use the free online tool provided by VeteranAid.org. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | All nursing home facilities in Oklahoma must be licensed by the state. New nursing homes will receive an initial license valid for only 180 days. During this time, the facility must meet licensure requirements before it can be issued a license. Licenses expire after 12 months. |
| Staffing Requirements | Nursing homes must have sufficient staff on duty 24 hours a day and must maintain at least the minimum direct care staff ratios required by the state. All licensed nurses must have a current license issued by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. The facility must also have an Oklahoma-licensed medical doctor or osteopathic physician as its medical director. |
| Staff Training Requirements | All staff must complete orientation and training before working without supervision. Direct care staff must complete two hours of in-service training, including fire safety, resident rights and pain recognition. |
| Admission Restrictions | A nursing home facility shouldn't admit an individual if it doesn't have the personnel or resources needed to provide adequate care for that person. |
| Care Planning Requirements | The facility must complete an assessment and create a care plan for each resident. The individual care plan must reflect the resident's needs and be developed by an interdisciplinary team. An initial care plan must be completed at the time of admission and an individualized plan must be finished within 21 days after entry. |
| Dietary and Nutrition Services Requirements | Nursing facilities must have a registered or licensed dietician or qualified nutritionist on staff. A food service supervisor and a qualified nutritionist/dietician must develop a care plan for each resident. Facilities must also serve at least three regularly scheduled meals, with four-hour breaks in between. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Nursing homes or an outside source must provide rehabilitative services to residents. These services must be ordered by the physician and provided under licensed or qualified staff. Services can include physical therapy, speech therapy and psychological therapy. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Medications must be stored in a medication room that must be locked when not in use. Facilities must have a consultant licensed pharmacist, ensure each resident's medications are reviewed monthly and keep an accurate written record of drugs administered. |
| Activities Requirements | Nursing homes must have a trained activities program staff on duty and a qualified activities director. The facility must provide at least 20 hours of designated activity staff per week. |
| Infection Control | Facilities must have an infection control policy and procedure to provide a safe and sanitary environment. It must also follow and practice the universal precautions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. An annual tuberculosis risk assessment must also be performed in a facility by a licensed nurse or physician. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Medicaid can help pay the cost of nursing homes for qualified seniors. Applicants must be 65 years and older and meet the income and asset requirements. Seniors must also meet a nursing level of care as determined by the DHS. |
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