Nursing Home Costs in Pennsylvania (2026)

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Nursing home care in Pennsylvania isn’t cheap, and the cost keeps climbing. At today’s rates, even a comfortable retirement nest egg can run out within a year or two, which is why most Pennsylvania families eventually turn to Medicaid to help cover long-term care.

Here’s what nursing home care actually costs across the state in 2026, and how those costs compare region to region.

Senior man reviewing paperwork about long-term care Medicaid and nursing home costs

Average Nursing Home Cost Per Month in Pennsylvania

Statewide, Pennsylvania nursing homes charge a median of $11,954 a month for a semi-private room and $13,688 a month for a private room, according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (published March 2026).  Actual rates vary by region, room type, and level of care, so a specific facility can run higher or lower than the state median.

These figures cover room, board and basic nursing care. Additional charges for medications, therapy, incontinence supplies and a private room upgrade can push the real monthly bill higher than the advertised rate.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

Families typically pay for nursing home care one of four ways: private savings (“private pay”), long-term care insurance, Medicare (for a limited stay after a hospitalization), or Medicaid, once savings are largely spent down and income and assets fall under Pennsylvania’s limits.

Medicare only covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay, and it stops covering custodial, long-term stays entirely.  Families who need ongoing nursing home care often end up relying on Medicaid.

Because Pennsylvania’s Medicaid asset limit is just $2,000 for a single applicant, many families who could otherwise afford a few months of private pay are surprised how quickly they become eligible.  This is the result of legally protecting their savings with the right planning.

Advisor explaining long-term care Medicaid to a senior and family member
Helping hands illustration for long-term care Medicaid planning help

We’re here to help

With a $12,000 monthly nursing home bill, an improper Medicaid denial isn’t simply a paperwork inconvenience.  It’s an expense your family has to cover out of pocket while we fight it.

We handle the full application, track its progress with the county, and advocate against improper denials, so the cost of care doesn’t fall entirely on your family while the process plays out.

If you’re trying to figure out whether Medicaid can help cover these costs for your family, see our overview of Medicaid eligibility in Pennsylvania or schedule a free consultation.

Related reading: how Pennsylvania nursing home Medicaid can help cover these costs, how to apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania, our Medicaid planning guide for aging parents, and our Medicaid FAQs.