2026 State of Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Report Reveals Growing Crisis in Senior Care
Highlights:
- Since 2020, PA has 37 fewer nursing homes and 4,318 fewer certified nursing home beds
- 49% have declined hospital admissions in the last 90 days
- 3x the number of individuals over the age of 84 projected by 2050
- 68% report more than 5 open direct care positions
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (April 7, 2026)—Pennsylvania’s ability to care for the fastest-growing segment of the population is under significant threat, as revealed by a new report released by LeadingAge PA, an association that represents nonprofit and mission-driven nursing homes.
The 2026 State of Pennsylvania Nursing Homes Report finds that, while the number of individuals over the age of 84 is projected to nearly triple by 2050, capacity has severely declined over the past six years. Since 2020, PA has 37 fewer nursing homes and 4,318 fewer certified nursing home beds, a trend that is expected to continue. Of the nursing homes that participated in the survey, 49% have declined hospital admissions in the last 90 days, and 29% have licensed beds intentionally unfilled.
“The evidence of an urgent crisis is right in front of us – Pennsylvania’s capacity to care for our elders is shrinking by the thousands while the population grows exponentially,” said Garry Pezzano, President & CEO of LeadingAge PA. “Where are these individuals going for the level of care they need, as long-term care providers are forced to turn away admissions? Our legislative leaders must act now to stabilize nursing homes and make sure our loved ones can access care when and where they need it.”
When asked why providers are reducing the number of individuals their organizations can serve, the top two reasons were inadequate Medicaid funding and workforce shortages.
The impact on low-income seniors is the starkest, with Medicaid supporting 70% of nursing home residents in Pennsylvania, yet reimbursement rates fall well short of covering the true costs of care.
One nursing home operator in Montgomery County said, “We cannot afford to take care of Medicaid [residents] and are considering shutting down our skilled nursing services despite the fact that we are one of the most highly sought after facilities.”
“The continued lack of government support for aging services is beyond wrong,” stated a nursing home administrator in Centre County. “It is a true demonstration of ageism at its finest. The people we serve deserve the respect and honor to receive excellent care, no matter their financial means.”
To stabilize the nursing home industry and provide for older adults in need of care, LeadingAge PA is advocating for a 0.84 floor to the Budget Adjustment Factor (BAF), which is a mechanism that artificially reduces Medicaid reimbursement rates. This equates to an approximately $274 million (annualized for FY 26-27) investment in nursing homes in this year’s state budget.
Editor’s Note: The report can be accessed in full here.
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