Medicare covers 100% of the cost of home health care services, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If your doctor prescribes durable medical equipment for use in your home, you'll have to pay the Part B deductible and the 20% coinsurance for Part B. Your provider can provide you with the exact amounts before giving you the DME. Medicare pays for home health care for eligible, homebound older people who require essential medical services for the treatment of an illness or injury.
A doctor or other medical professional must request home health care services and these must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. Personal care services, such as help with activities of daily living (ADL), may also be covered if they are provided as part of a general plan that includes skilled nursing care. You may be able to get additional support for providing care through local and state programs, such as adult day programs, equipment, meal delivery, respite care for caregivers, and transportation. You're generally not eligible for Medicare home health care benefits if you need full-time skilled nursing care for an extended period of time.
Ask the home health agency to hold a meeting with the patient and family before any interruption or reduction in services to discuss the appropriateness of the proposed action and the ongoing need for care. Contact the person's doctor and other providers, let them know what's happening, and ask them to support the need for home health care services. Home health care includes a wide range of health and social services provided at home to treat illnesses or injuries. Part B covers medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, outpatient care, and some home health care services.
If a family member needs help finding home care, A Place for Mom's senior housing counselors will discuss the options in your loved one's area that best fit their needs. Home health care is often less expensive, more convenient, and as effective as care received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF). No, Medicare won't pay for non-medical home care if this is the only type of service a person needs. Once your healthcare provider has certified your need for home health care, they will develop a care plan.
However, Medicare home care benefits can cover personal care that is provided in conjunction with eligible home care services, such as transitional home care. In most cases, being intermittent or part-time means you can receive skilled nursing care and home health care services for up to 8 hours a day (combined), for up to 28 hours a week. Medicare covers home health care services that are considered reasonable and necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury. You may be able to get more frequent care for a short period of time (less than 8 hours a day and no more than 35 hours a week) if your provider decides it's necessary.
