Which statement is TRUE regarding the nursing home cost and payment?

The statement that the primary payer for nursing home care is Medicaid and private pay is accurate because it reflects the reality of how long-term care is financed in many cases. Medicaid, a state and federal program, is designed to assist with healthcare costs for individuals with limited income and resources, and it covers a significant portion of nursing home care costs for eligible individuals. Many older adults rely on Medicaid once they have depleted their resources, making it a vital source of funding for long-term care in nursing facilities.

Additionally, private pay refers to individuals using their personal savings, long-term care insurance, or other financial resources to cover their nursing home expenses, particularly when they do not qualify for Medicaid. Therefore, it's common for a combination of Medicaid and private pay to fund nursing home services, whereas Medicare typically provides coverage only for short-term skilled nursing care following a hospital stay, not for long-term stays in nursing homes. This aligns with the broader understanding of funding mechanisms in long-term care settings within gerontology.