How Does Nursing Home Billing Work?

If you have a loved one who requires care in a nursing home there are a number of things that you want to learn about now, rather than later, as it relates to nursing home billing and contracts.

By understanding a few key points you could help prevent unwelcome, and potentially costly, surprises in the future. You can also get skilled nursing billing services online.

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Nursing home billing statements

Most nursing homes bill monthly the resident (or the resident’s legal appointee) for care; the billing frequency should be laid out in the terms of your contract. The nursing home bill will include the cost of basic charges but may also include the cost of ancillary services.

It is important to know the difference. The nursing home billing rate will also be determined by factors such as the complexity of care, level of services, the type of room (whether it is private or semi-private), and other amenities.

Assuming the resident did not enter the healthcare center on the first day of the billing cycle, the first billing statement should show a prorated amount for the month of admission (the number of days spent in the facility x the rate for room and board).

Many nursing care bills will also include a “pre-bill” for the cost of the upcoming month; and again, some states will levy a tax on the full bill amount.

The balance of these figures will be the amount owed by the resident after all Medicare/Medicaid, health insurance, and/or long-term care insurance payments are deducted.