How To Check Medicare Eligibility for Home Health Care

According to medicare.gov, Medicare is the nation's largest national health insurance program with more than 40 million Americans covered under its policies. The program is not available to everyone. Generally, to be eligible, you must be 65 or older, have a disability or have permanent kidney failure. If you are eligible, you may be eligible for home health care, which is medical care provided at your home rather than a hospital or extended-care facility.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you are "homebound" or otherwise unable to leave home without help. Medicare defines "homebound" as being generally unable to leave home without "considerable and taxing effort" ("Medicare and Home Health Care," p. 3).

• 2

  Visit your doctor for a determination if you need home health care. Before you can receive home health care through Medicare, a medical professional, such as your doctor, must determine that you are in need of such care. After this determination, the doctor must write up a plan for your home health care.

• 3

  Ask your doctor if you need one or more of the following: intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services or continued occupational therapy. In addition to being homebound, you must need one of these services.

• 4

  Choose a home health care agency that is Medicare-certified. Ask your doctor for recommendations. If you are having trouble finding an agency, visit Medicare's Home Health Compare (See Resources below), and search for an agency located in your area.

• 5

  Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for any questions and concerns. While this article details the basic requirements for Medicare eligibility, medicare professionals should address specific inquiries. Call this number to reach a Medicare professional who will assist you further with meeting your needs.