How to Apply for Home Health Services

Home health services are a low-cost alternative to hospital and doctor visits. Patients receiving care feel more comfortable in their own home. Home health services are practical and convenient for those people with limited mobility or who have no transportation due to their condition or physical state. Medicare offers the home health benefit to those who are sick or injured, when necessary. There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for home health services.

Instructions

• 1

  Sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday whether you are retiring or not. Medicare's website will give you the correct contact information for this. However, you will be enrolled automatically if you will be receiving disability or retirement benefits and live within the 50 states.

• 2

  Determine your eligibility for home health services. Medicare has a list of eligibility requirements on its website. Some of these include being under the regular care of a physician and needing a skilled nursing facility or physical therapy.

• 3

  Research the home health care services available to you and if they are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Services offered are skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social services and medical equipment. However, check the website of your state's department of health and human services for specific details.

• 4

  Select a home health agency covered by Medicare with your doctor's approval. You can compare home health agencies in your area by going to the "Home Health Compare" application on Medicare's website.

• 5

  Set up an appointment with your selected home health agency and talk with a representative about your needs. Discuss your health with your doctor. This will determine a plan of care. The home health agency will discuss how often and when you will be given treatment.