Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care? 5 Things We Discovered.

Greg Wilson

Updated on:

does medicare cover home health care

    Every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65 years of age. Many of these thousands of Americans will turn to home healthcare services. They commonly ask their doctor, “does Medicare cover home health care?

    Are you wondering, “Does Medicare cover home health care?” Here's everything you need to know about whether or not Medicare will cover home health care.

    Senior Affair's article will examine what Medicare covers when considering home health care.

    How Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

    In a word, yes. Home health care services are covered whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. A doctor must order the home health services, and you will need to use one of the 11,000 home health care agencies with a contract with Medicare.

    Qualifying for Coverage

    You must meet specific qualifications to receive Medicare benefits for home health care. 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 consideration.

    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. Including 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 for 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 healthcare agencies to see which provides the best care quality. 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 receive a home health agency visit to discuss your care plan. This plan will include the services provided, the necessary medical equipment, and any therapy you will require.

    You should be involved with all aspects of your care plan. Ask lots of questions and ensure you understand what services they provide 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.

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    We have answers if you have other questions about Medicare plans and coverage. 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.

    If you qualify for Medicare but don't know where to start, we have licensed insurance agents ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Prescription Part D plans.

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