5 minute read · General information, not medical or legal advice.
Who qualifies
- You are under the care of a doctor, and your care follows a plan your doctor reviews regularly.
- Your doctor certifies that you need part-time skilled nursing or therapy.
- Your doctor certifies that you are homebound, meaning leaving home takes a major effort.
- You had a face-to-face visit with your doctor or another approved provider related to the reason for care.
- The agency providing care is Medicare-certified.
What Medicare covers
- Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy
- Medical social services
- Part-time home health aide services, when you are also getting skilled care
What you pay
- Usually $0 for covered home health services.
- Usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for medical equipment such as a walker or wheelchair, after the Part B deductible.
What Medicare does not cover
- 24-hour care at home
- Meal delivery
- Homemaker services such as shopping or cleaning, when that is the only care you need
- Personal care such as bathing or dressing, when that is the only care you need