What Home Services Does Medicare Provide For?

Medicare is a national health insurance program designed mainly to assist senior citizens in the United States. Original Medicare, parts A and B, cover a variety of services, such as inpatient and outpatient hospital services, preventive care, doctor's visits and vaccinations. Part A also covers different kinds of home health and hospice services under certain conditions. You must be considered home bound and your doctor must authorize your care and create a home health plan for you. You also must get all your services from an agency approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Skilled Nursing Care

• Medicare will pay for skilled nursing care on an intermittent or part-time basis. Your doctor must order it for a specific condition, and the services must be provided by a licensed practical/vocational nurse or a registered nurse. Your nurses can provide services such as tube feedings, IV setups and education about your medications, but any care which could be done just as safely and easily by yourself or any non-medical person is not considered skilled nursing care.

Therapy

• Medicare may cover different kinds of therapy performed at home, such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy. The therapy must be performed by skilled, qualified therapists and as a specific treatment for a health condition. The amount of times you require therapy, its frequency and how long you will need it also are taken into account when Medicare decides whether or not to cover services.

Home Health Aide Services

• Home health aides provide direct patient care such as bathing, dressing and feeding. Aides generally support nurses with duties which don't require a licensed nurse's skills. Medicare will cover home health aide services only if you are also getting therapy or skilled nursing care.

Medical Supplies

• Durable medical equipment for home health may be covered at 80 percent if it is ordered by a physician. Necessary walkers and wheelchairs are usually covered, but you must purchase your durable medical equipment through the approved home health agency which is providing medical services. If the agency does not sell durable medical equipment, they must arrange for a home equipment supplier. Disposable medical supplies, such as dressings, are also covered if they are necessary as part of your care.

Social Services

• Medicare will pay for some kinds of social services which are necessary because of your health condition. Specialists who can provide counseling or help finding local resources and assistance may be covered by Medicare.