Medicare may cover some forms of home health care when needed by seniors, however this isn’t always true. Medicare only typically pays for medically related home health care needs – in certain instances non-medical home aides or support may be covered for homebound seniors requiring part-time physiotherapy support or similar treatments; it doesn’t typically cover custodial services such as homemaker services or assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and eating assistance.
Medicare’s primary method for covering home health care services is via Part B, which covers certain doctor services, outpatient care and preventative services. Based on your unique requirements, home health care may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. To qualify for home health services, a doctor must certify that you are homebound (homebound), require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy or speech-language pathology services and require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy or speech-language pathology services within three months after either hospital discharge or the beginning of home health services. You also need a face-to-face visit with your physician in order to discuss possible home health care solutions.
Medicare covers many medical supplies like wound dressings and catheters as well as durable medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. Medicare may also cover medical social services that your doctor orders to assist with emotional or social concerns related to your condition, and home health aides provided under physician orders as part of an approved plan of care; it will not usually pay for home health aides that provide personal care such as bathing and dressing assistance or assist in meal preparation or housekeeping unless those tasks directly relate to their care.
As an alternative to Medicare, private long-term care insurance plans provide in-home care coverage for seniors and people with disabilities. Although expensive, these plans could provide relief if your family is facing the financial strain associated with caring for someone with chronic illness or disability. Furthermore, Medicaid programs in some states will cover some home healthcare costs for low-income individuals; contact your state Department of Human Services to learn about eligibility requirements for these programs.