Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
In a word, yes. Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, home health care services are covered. A doctor must order the home health services, and you will need to use one of the 11,000 home health care agencies that have a contract with Medicare.
Qualifying for Coverage
To receive Medicare benefits for home health care, you must meet specific qualifications. One requirement is the patient must be homebound and unable to leave your home without the help of someone else or a mobility device. Your doctor also has to certify home health care is necessary for your care.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare Part A or B, or your Medicare Advantage Plan, will cover services such as skilled nursing care and home health aides. Occupational or physical therapy is also covered. Medicare also covers social services.
It’s also important to know what Medicare does not cover. This includes 24-hour care, household services like cleaning or laundry, and meal deliveries.
Choosing a Home Health Care Provider
A Medicare home health care agency will be certified as an eligible provider. If you have Original Medicare, you can search eligible home health agencies to find one near you. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your provider may have a different list of agencies you need to use.
It’s also essential to compare different home health care agencies to see which one provides the best quality of care. Look for agencies with a proven record of improving a patient’s condition.
Planning the Care You Need
When your doctor orders home health services, you will need to receive a home health agency visit to discuss your plan of care. This plan will include the services that will be provided, the medical equipment you need, and any therapy you will require.
You should be involved with all aspects of your care plan. Ask lots of questions and make sure you understand what services are provided and how often the home health agency will visit you to provide care.
Get Better at Home
Does Medicare cover home health care? Yes, and for most people home is the preferred place to recover from surgery or illness. There is evidence people recover more quickly when they receive care in their homes.
If you have other questions about Medicare plans and coverage, we have answers. Explore the rest of our site to learn what is covered by Medicare and how you can find the right Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan for your specific needs.