Bedford County supervisors approve $10 daily private‑pay increase at county nursing home

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors on May 26 adopted an ordinance to raise private‑pay daily rates at the county nursing home by $10.

Paul, identified as the nursing home administrator, told the board the increase is intended to reflect market conditions and to keep private rates roughly in line with average Medicaid reimbursement. “We're proposing a $10 daily rate increase for our private pay residents,” he said, describing the new daily totals for shared and private rooms.

Supervisors asked whether the county pays building rent and sought assurances about service levels. A supervisor noted that county ownership of the building helps keep rates lower; Paul confirmed the county absorbs facility ownership costs. He also said the facility maintains a waiting list.

The board opened the public comment portion of the public hearing and heard no remarks specific to the rate change. Supervisor Davis moved to adopt the ordinance; Supervisor Johnson seconded the motion. The board approved the rate increase by roll call.

The ordinance changes private‑pay rates by room type: shared room with shared bathroom increases from $274 to $284 per day; private room with shared bathroom from $279 to $289; private room with private bathroom from $284 to $294 (as stated by the presenter). The change is the board's routine annual review of private‑pay rates; the presenter said the last increase was in July 2025.

The nursing home administrator told the board the facility sets rates with reference to Medicaid reimbursement to remain competitive with other area nursing homes. The board did not attach conditions to the ordinance; the increase takes effect per the county's ordinance adoption procedures.