What Medicare Covers

Medicare will help cover home health care costs for people with Medicare who meet the following four conditions: 

·         Your doctor must decide you need medical care at home, and make a plan for your care at home.

·         You must need at least one of the following: intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, or continue to need occupational therapy.

·         You must be homebound. This means that you are normally unable to leave home unassisted.  Being homebound means that leaving home is a major effort. When you leave home, it must be to get medical care, or for short, infrequent nonmedical reasons such as a trip to get a haircut, to attend religious services, or adult day care.

·         The Medicare program must approve the home health agency caring for you.

Comparing Care Between Agencies

These are the situations that senior citizens need to consider when you are evaluating Home Health Care companies:

·         Bathing

·         Dressing

·         Getting to and from the toilet

·         Mobility

·         Getting in and out of bed

·         Taking medications correctly

·         Pain when moving around

·         Admission rate to the hospital

·         The need for urgent, unplanned care

Things To Ask Home Health Agencies 

Quality of care can differ among home health agencies. To make the best decision, talk to your family, health care provider, or discharge planner. Call agencies and ask questions about their services. Some services may not be covered by Medicare. Ask whether the agency: 

·         offers the specific health care services you need, such as nursing or therapy

·         has staff available to provide the hours of care your doctor ordered, and can start

·         when you need special needs, such as language or cultural preferences

·         offers the personal care services you need, such as help bathing and dressing

·         offers the support services you need, such as help with laundry, cooking, or shopping

·         can help you arrange for additional services, such as Meals on Wheels

·         has staff available at night and on weekends for emergencies

·         is Medicare-certified

·         will explain what your insurance covers, and what you must pay out-of-pocket

·         does staff background checks

·         has letters from satisfied patients, family members, and doctors