Home Care Services Covered by Medicare

Do you find that your senior loved one needs help at home to do everyday tasks, because of a health problem? Home health care could involve: getting dressed, preparing meals, or bathing. But, Medicare coverage of home health aides is limited and temporary. In addition, Medicare is broken down into two parts (A & B). Part A is your loved one’s hospital insurance and prescription drug coverage, and Part B is the medical insurance. But, are you still confused what these parts will pay for? Keep reading to find out the 5 home health benefits and care services that is covered by Medicare health plan.

1.) Part-time or Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care:

This is one of the first services that is covered by Medicare. These services are performed by or done under supervision of a licensed, and or certified nurse to treat your loved one’s injuries or illness. These services can include: primary care, injects, tube feedings, changes with catheters, assessments & observation of your loved one’s conditions, and management & evaluation of your loved one’s care plans, and would care. In addition, these can be provided up to 7 days a week, but no more than 8 hours a day. But, Medicare can covered up to 35 hours a week.

2.) Skilled Therapy Services:

Whether it’s physical, speech, or occupational therapy, these are all necessary for treating your loved one’s injuries and illness. Remember, these must be performed or under supervision of a licensed good therapist. First, physical therapy includes gait training, and or supervision, and training for exercising to regain movement and strength in a body area. Speech-language pathology services include talking therapy and exercises that strengthen elder patients speech and language skills. Lastly, occupational therapy helps regain the ability to do daily activities, such as eating, and putting clothes on.

3.) Medical Social Services:

This is another service that is covered by Medicare and pays in full. These services are things ordered by your doctor to help your loved one with social, and emotional concerns related to their illness and mental health. In addition, it could also include counseling or help finding resources in your community.

4.) Part-Time or Intermittent home health aide services:

Medicare pays in full for an aide if your loved one require skilled care. A home health aide provides personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, toileting. But, it’s important to note that Medicare will not pay for an aide if you only require personal care but not skilled care.

5.) Medical Equipment & Supplies:

Lastly, Medicare does pay in full for certain medical supplies, such as catheters and wound dressings. This is provided by Medicare-certified home health agency. In addition, Medicare also pays 80% of it’s approved amount of medical equipment. These include wheelchairs or walkers. You would only pay 20% coinsurance.

While it’s hard to know exactly what Medicare offers, it’s important to do your research based on your loved one’s needs. But, if you have any more questions regarding our services or Medicare, please call us call us at (561) 440-2273 for our Lake Worth Office, or at (561) 440-2273 for our Palm Beach Gardens Office.