Berks Heim: Berks County's public nursing home

Berks Heim is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility at 1011 Berks Road, Leesport, owned and operated by Berks County government. Most Pennsylvania counties have sold their nursing homes to private operators; Berks kept its “Heim” (Pennsylvania Dutch for home), which makes it both a healthcare facility and a recurring political question.

The basics

• Licensed for 420 beds, including a 60-bed memory-impairment unit, one of the largest nursing facilities in the region
• Long-term care and short-term rehabilitation; certified for Medicare and Medicaid, with Medicare participation dating to 1967
• Located in Bern Township with a Leesport mailing address: 1011 Berks Road, Leesport, PA 19533
• Phone: (610) 376-4841
• Roughly a $66.6 million a year operation, about a tenth of all county spending

What it costs taxpayers

In the county’s books, the arrows mostly point toward taxpayers, not away. Berks Heim runs as an enterprise fund, meaning it is expected to cover its costs from resident revenue, which is mostly Medicaid and Medicare. The adopted 2026 budget shows about $64.4 million in Heim revenue against $66.6 million in expenses, with the difference drawn from the Heim’s own reserves rather than the general fund. Meanwhile the budget records a $14.3 million contribution from the Heim arrangement to the county’s general fund through Pennsylvania’s intergovernmental transfer program for county nursing homes.

The caveats: government nursing homes statewide are squeezed by Medicaid reimbursement rates and staffing costs, and a bad year at a 420-bed facility gets expensive fast. That is why “should the county sell the Heim?” resurfaces in Berks politics every few years, and why the Heim’s line items are worth watching in the county budget each December.

Why counties kept their homes

Public homes historically serve residents that private facilities turn away: people on Medicaid from day one, complex cases, people without family advocates. Supporters argue that is the point of public ownership. Critics argue counties should not run healthcare businesses. Both sides showed up the last time a sale was floated, and the county kept it. The decision rests with the three commissioners; here is how to weigh in.

Seeking admission

1. Call the facility at (610) 376-4841 or start from the county’s Berks Heim page.
2. Expect a clinical assessment of care needs and a financial review. Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, and long-term-care insurance all figure in.
3. Check the facility’s federal quality ratings and inspection history on Medicare.gov Care Compare, a step worth taking for any nursing home.

FAQ

Who owns Berks Heim?

The County of Berks owns and operates it. It is one of the few remaining county-owned nursing homes in Pennsylvania.

How big is Berks Heim?

It is licensed for 420 beds, including a 60-bed memory care unit, making it one of the largest nursing facilities in the Reading area.

Does Berks Heim take Medicaid?

Yes. The facility is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term residents.

How do I apply for a bed?

Admissions run through the facility directly at (610) 376-4841. A clinical assessment and financial review are part of the process, and staff can explain current availability and waiting lists.