How can I qualify for Medicare Home Care?
Updated: Oct 29, 2019
If you are recovering from an acute illness, you may be eligible for home health services that are paid for by the Medicare program. An Aging Life Care Manager can help you access licensed home health services by facilitating a conversation with your physician about your need for skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy in your home. This is an important conversation to have with your doctor and discharge planner if you are in the hospital or a nursing facility and need to decide on and plan for services in your home once you are discharged (and discharge planner if you are in the hospital or a nursing facility).
However, Medicare will only pay for these services if you are “homebound.” Homebound is defined as only leaving your home for “medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, like attending religious services.”
You may also receive help from a home health aide under the supervision of a professional nurse or therapist. A physical or occupational therapist can evaluate your home and recommend equipment (such as guard bars in the bathroom) that will improve your safety.
Accessing services. These services must be obtained from a state licensed home health agency certified to provide Medicare-reimbursed services. They may be freestanding agencies, or they may be part of a large, hospital-based organization. Licensed home health services are usually time-limited, ending when you have met the goals of treatment and the need for the skilled care has ended.
If you have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage program, you may also have access
to additional services such as home visits after a hospitalization.
Care Resources has served the West Coast of Florida (Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando) for over 20 years now with their exceptional care management staff.
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