Nursing home / skilled nursing
Merkel Nursing Center
Nursing home / skilled nursing in Merkel, Texas
| Provider details | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1704 N. 1st |
| City | Merkel |
| State | Texas |
| ZIP code | 79536 |
| County | Taylor |
| Phone | 325-928-5673 |
| Website | http://www.distinguishedhealthcareinc.com/ |
| CMS certification number (CCN) | 676053 |
| Ownership | For profit - Limited Liability company |
| Certified beds | 65 |
| Certification | Medicare and Medicaid |
| First approved for Medicare/Medicaid | June 1, 2005 |
| Located in a hospital | N |
| Continuing care retirement community | N |
| Special focus status | SFF Candidate |
| Care types | skilled nursing, rehab services |
| Services offered | skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, activities schedule with live performances |
Merkel Nursing Center is in 1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536. Phone: 325-928-5673. Ownership: For profit - Limited Liability company. CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall (health inspection 1, staffing 1, quality measures 1).
Merkel Nursing Center in Merkel is a small-town, privately owned skilled nursing facility that puts residents' quality of life and dignity at the center of every service. Its residents receive doctor-prescribed physical and occupational therapy onsite, and the staff considers dietary needs and individual preferences. Residents stay entertained with holiday celebrations and an active schedule that includes live performances from local artists. CMS inspection and staffing detail: total weighted health survey score 550.750; 2 federal fines totaling $320538.00.
More about this provider
| Merkel Nursing Center in Merkel is a small-town, privately owned skilled nursing facility focused on quality of life and dignity, with physical and occupational therapy onsite and an active schedule of activities. | |
| Services and programs | Skilled nursing and rehabilitation from a small-town, privately owned facility; doctor-prescribed physical and occupational therapy onsite, dietary needs and individual preferences considered, holiday celebrations and an active schedule including live performances from local artists; call for a tour |
| Visiting and contact details | Merkel Nursing Center, 1704 N 1st St, Merkel, TX 79536; 325-928-5673; call for a tour |
| Website | http://www.distinguishedhealthcareinc.com/ |
Quality measures
Source: CMS · CMS processing date: 2026-10-01
| Star ratings and staffing hours | |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | 1 of 5 |
| Health inspection rating | 1 of 5 |
| Staffing rating | 1 of 5 |
| Quality measure rating | 1 of 5 |
| Long-stay quality rating | 1 of 5 |
Inspection results
| Source: CMS · processing date 2026-10-01 | |
|---|---|
| Rating Cycle 1 Total Health Score | 618 |
| Total Weighted Health Survey Score | 550.750 |
| Rating Cycle 2/3 Total Health Score | 349 |
| Rating Cycle 1 Health Deficiency Score | 618 |
| Rating Cycle 2/3 Health Deficiency Score | 349 |
| Rating Cycle 1 Standard Survey Health Date | 2025-12-04 |
| Rating Cycle 1 Total Number of Health Deficiencies | 21 |
| Rating Cycle 2/3 Total Number of Health Deficiencies | 35 |
| Rating Cycle 1 Number of Standard Health Deficiencies | 13 |
| Rating Cycle 1 Number of Complaint Health Deficiencies | 8 |
| Rating Cycle 2/3 Number of Complaint Health Deficiencies | 35 |
Penalties
| Source: CMS · processing date 2026-10-01 | |
|---|---|
| Number of Fines | 2 |
| Number of Payment Denials | 0 |
| Total Number of Penalties | 2 |
| Total Amount of Fines in Dollars | 320538.00 |
Ownership
| Source: CMS · processing date 2026-10-01 | |
|---|---|
| Legal Business Name | EMI HEALTHCARE LLC |
| Provider Changed Ownership in Last 12 Months | N |
Occupancy and payer mix
| Source: CMS · processing date 2026-10-01 | |
|---|---|
| Abuse Icon | Y |
| High Performing Icon | N |
| With a Resident and Family Council | None |
| Average Number of Residents per Day | 3.8 |
| Automatic Sprinkler Systems in All Required Areas | Yes |
| Most Recent Health Inspection More Than 2 Years Ago | N |
Who pays for nursing home / skilled nursing?
What this care costs, and who pays — Medicare, Medicaid, or the family — is covered in these guides:
Nursing home / skilled nursing guide · Paying for care
Other nursing home / skilled nursing in Taylor County
- Avir At Abilene — Abilene
- Avir At Coronado — Abilene
- Hendrick Skilled Nursing Facility — Abilene
Common questions about Merkel Nursing Center
Where is Merkel Nursing Center located?
Merkel Nursing Center is at 1704 N. 1st, Merkel, Texas 79536.
What care and services does Merkel Nursing Center offer?
Merkel Nursing Center offers skilled nursing, rehab services, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, activities schedule with live performances.
Is Merkel Nursing Center Medicare-certified?
Yes. Merkel Nursing Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid.
What is Merkel Nursing Center's quality rating?
CMS gives Merkel Nursing Center an overall star rating of 1 out of 5.
How do I contact Merkel Nursing Center?
Call Merkel Nursing Center at 325-928-5673.
How much does a nursing home cost?
The national median cost of a nursing home is $9,581 a month for a semi-private room and $10,798 a month for a private room (CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2025). Costs in Texas can be higher or lower. See our guide to nursing home costs and who pays for the full picture.
Does Medicare pay for a nursing home?
Medicare Part A pays for skilled nursing care in a certified nursing home for up to 100 days in each benefit period. You need a hospital stay of at least 3 days first. You pay $0 a day for days 1 to 20, then $217 a day for days 21 to 100 (2026). After day 100, Medicare pays $0. Medicare does not pay for long-term care that only helps with daily tasks. Medicare Advantage plans cover skilled nursing too, with their own costs and rules. A Medigap plan can pay the daily cost share toward the Original Medicare benefit.
What is the difference between a nursing home and assisted living?
A nursing home gives skilled nursing care and rehab around the clock. Assisted living gives a room, meals, and help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. It does not give round-the-clock nursing care. People who need daily medical care often need a nursing home. People who need help but not daily medical care often pick assisted living.
Who else pays for a nursing home besides Medicare?
Medicaid pays for nursing home care for people who meet its income and asset rules. It is the main payer for long stays. The VA pays for some veterans in VA or contract nursing homes. Long-term care insurance can pay for part of the cost. Most other costs are paid out of pocket.