Who owns Iowa nursing homes
Ownership shapes staffing and cost decisions. Here is how Iowa nursing homes compare by ownership type, and which chains operate the most homes.
CMS data as of August 1, 2026. Nursing homes only; assisted living is not covered by Medicare ratings.
By ownership type
| Ownership | Homes | Average Medicare stars | Typical nursing hours | Share fined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For profit | 208 | 2.8 | 3.60 hrs | 38% |
| Non profit | 168 | 3.3 | 3.88 hrs | 36% |
| Government | 11 | 4.5 | 4.33 hrs | 18% |
Largest chains in Iowa
57% of Iowa nursing homes belong to a chain. Counts are homes we list in Iowa.
- Care initiatives43 homes · average 2.9 of 5 Medicare stars
- Legacy healthcare35 homes · average 2.8 of 5 Medicare stars
- Accura healthcare26 homes · average 2.5 of 5 Medicare stars
- Campbell sTreet sErvices18 homes · average 2.4 of 5 Medicare stars
- Good sAmaritan sOciety16 homes · average 2.8 of 5 Medicare stars
- The ensIgn group10 homes · average 1.9 of 5 Medicare stars
- WesLeylife10 homes · average 3.8 of 5 Medicare stars
- Shlomo hoffman6 homes · average 2.8 of 5 Medicare stars
- WesTern home communities6 homes · average 3.7 of 5 Medicare stars
- PresByterian homes & sErvices6 homes · average 3.7 of 5 Medicare stars
- Azria health6 homes · average 1.3 of 5 Medicare stars
- Pivotal health care5 homes · average 4.2 of 5 Medicare stars
- Cedar view holdings5 homes · average 1.4 of 5 Medicare stars
- Edgewood convalesCent home5 homes · average 4.4 of 5 Medicare stars
- Life care sErvices3 homes · average 2.7 of 5 Medicare stars
Source: CMS Nursing Home Provider Information (ownership type, chain affiliation). Averages are simple averages of Medicare overall star ratings; they describe groups, not any single home. A ranking is a starting point for questions, not a verdict. Always check the current Medicare record and visit in person.