Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
Understanding Home Health Care
Home health care is a type of medical service that is provided in the patient's home. It includes services such as wound care, physical therapy, nursing care, and medical social services. Home health care is an increasingly popular option for seniors and those with long-term medical conditions, as it allows them to receive care in the comfort of their own home.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps cover the cost of certain medical services. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, while Part B covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. Part A and Part B also cover some home health care services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and medical social services.
What Home Health Care Services Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a range of home health care services that are medically necessary. These include:
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Medical social services
Medicare also covers medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, oxygen, and walkers, that are needed in the home.
What Are the Requirements for Medicare Coverage?
In order to be eligible for Medicare coverage of home health care, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- You must be under the care of a doctor.
- You must be homebound, meaning your condition makes it difficult for you to leave your home.
- You must be receiving services from a Medicare-certified home health agency.
What Are the Costs of Home Health Care?
The costs of home health care services vary depending on the type of service and the provider. Generally, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of approved services, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20%. Medicare also has a yearly deductible for home health care services; this amount will vary depending on your specific coverage.
Conclusion
Medicare can help cover the cost of home health care services. To be eligible for coverage, you must meet certain requirements and use a Medicare-certified home health agency. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of approved services, with you responsible for the remaining 20%.