Ohio to encourage nursing homes to offer private rooms

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has given the green light to a proposal to expand access to private rooms in nursing homes across the state.

The initiative, developed by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), introduces a revised reimbursement structure for Medicaid-funded nursing home rooms. Under the plan, facilities will receive financial incentives for each additional private room they offer.

Governor DeWine highlighted the benefits of private rooms, noting that they enhance residents’ sense of dignity, independence and comfort, while leading to better health outcomes. CMS’s approval marks an important step toward achieving Ohio’s goal of providing a private room option to every nursing home resident who wants one.

National studies cited by Health Management Associates indicate that 82% of long-term care residents prefer private rooms because of greater privacy and better sleep habits, with reduced agitation in people with dementia.

Nursing homes that choose to convert multi-resident rooms into private spaces or include more private rooms in new construction projects will receive additional funding. Facilities that offer private rooms with private bathrooms will receive an additional $30 per day, while those with shared bathrooms will receive an additional $20 per day.

Implementation of the new reimbursement structure is expected to begin in the coming months, reflecting Ohio’s commitment to improving nursing home quality under Governor DeWine’s leadership. Over the past year, the state has implemented significant investments and policy reforms aimed at improving standards of care and quality of life for residents, with the support of the Ohio Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force.

Previous initiatives include the launch of the Ohio Nursing Home Quality Navigator, an online tool providing detailed information on nursing homes across the state, and efforts to strengthen resident advocacy and facility inspections.

The decision to expand the availability of private rooms underscores Ohio’s proactive approach to improving long-term care, ensuring that nursing home residents receive the highest standards of comfort and care.