Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
Medicare does cover some limited home healthcare services when they are ordered by a doctor and provided by an accredited agency with a plan of care. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and skilled nursing services.
The great news is that these services are free, aside from any deductibles or copayments you may have. Durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies may also be covered under Medicare if ordered by a doctor and used to keep you healthy at home.
Medicare stands out among other types of insurance in that there are no annual or lifetime limits on home health care services. If your doctor feels you still require further attention, they can order more visits and request an official determination from Medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care for Custodial or Personal Care Needs?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not typically cover in-home care for those needing skilled services such as 24-hour nursing and meals delivered. On the other hand, if you just require someone to assist with your ADLs but don’t require any skilled nursing attention, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage.
Does Medicare cover Home Health Services If You Have a Chronic Illness?
If you suffer from long-term illnesses like heart disease, diabetes or cancer, you may require assistance with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. While this type of care can be costly, Medicare may pay for it if you qualify under a doctor’s plan for care.
Does medicare cover home health services for patients discharged from hospitals or nursing facilities?
If your doctor determines you require home health services while recovering from recent surgery or illness, they can prescribe these services. You’ll need to sign a document known as a home health certification which outlines which specific services you require, why they’re necessary, how long they’ll last and what the expected outcome should be.
Does Medicare Cover Home Health If You Need Skilled Nursing Care?
If a doctor determines you require skilled nursing care and it is appropriate, Medicare can cover those services provided by an appropriately-licensed nurse. Skilled nurses have undergone rigorous training to administer medication, change dressings and monitor vital signs with precision.
Does Medicare cover home health when you have a spouse or dependent who requires care?
If your partner or relative requires home health services due to an illness such as cancer or brain injury, Medicare may cover it. Your spouse’s doctor can also recommend an appropriate home health provider.
Does Medicare Cover Home Healthcare in the COVID-19 Pandemic?
At first, Medicare did not cover home healthcare due to concerns about infection control. Instead, people with illnesses related to COVID-19 could obtain a certificate from their hospital that allowed them access to nursing, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant services at home.
