8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 13, 2006 (March 10, 2006)
National HealthCare Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware	001-13489	52-2057472
(State of Incorporation)	(Commission File No.)	(IRS Employer
		Identification Number)
	100 Vine Street
	Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
	(615) 890-2020
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
	Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Item 8.01. Other Events

On March 10, 2006, National HealthCare Corporation issued a press release announcing its quarterly dividend. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	National HealthCare Corporation
	By: /s/ Robert G. Adams
	Name: Robert G. Adams
	Title: President
Date: March 13, 2006

Exhibit Index

Number	Exhibit
99	Press release, dated March 10, 2006

EX-99

EXHIBIT 99

For release: March 10, 2006

Contact: Gerald Coggin, Senior VP of Corporate Relations

Phone: (615) 890-2020

NHC to Pay 15 Cents Per Share Dividend

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- National HealthCare Corporation (AMEX: NHC), one of the nation's oldest long-term health care companies, announced today that it will pay a quarterly dividend of 15 cents per common share to shareholders of record on March 31 and payable on June 1, 2006.

NHC operates for itself and third parties 74 long-term health care centers with 9,177 beds. NHC also operates 30 homecare programs, six independent living centers and assisted living centers at 22 locations. NHC's other services include managed care specialty medical units, Alzheimer's units, hospice and a rehabilitation services company. Other information about the company can be found on our web site at www.NHCcare.com.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. NHC cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. All forward-looking statements represent NHC's best judgment as of the date of this release.

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