If your parent or loved one is in need of home health care they may be eligible for 100% coverage through Medicare.
Caring for a loved one as they get older isn’t always easy and sometimes it even becomes impossible, even with help. As your parent or loved one grows older, they may begin to need more attention and possibly specialized care. You can’t always be there for them and you may not have the skills required to help their every need. At that point, you may need to seek help in the form of home health services.
For many people, home health services may not be financially feasible. You know you need the help but how will you afford it? Thankfully, you could qualify for full coverage of home health services through Medicare. To qualify, your parent or loved one would need to meet the following qualifications:
- They are currently under the care of a doctor and getting services under a plan of care that was established and regularly reviewed by a doctor.
- They require (and a doctor must also certify that they require) one or more of the following:
- Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care – other than drawing blood
- Physical Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology Services
- Continued Occupational Therapy
- The home health care agency you choose is approved by Medicare.
- They are homebound, and the doctor certifies they are homebound – meaning they are unable, have difficulty, or are instructed not to leave the home.
- A doctor or healthcare professional that works with a doctor has met with them face to face regarding the need for home health services.
Eligible beneficiaries pay nothing for covered home health services. After the Part B deductible, they generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered durable medical equipment. Coverage must be confirmed with Medicare and the treating agency.
Check with Your Home Health Care Agency
It is always important to first check with your home health care agency regarding costs, coverage, and eligibility. They will be able to how much Medicare will pay and whether any items or services they provide won’t be covered under Medicare. Make sure that you discuss this with your home health care provider and ensure you receive the details in writing as well.
Know The Difference Between Home Care & Home Health Care
The difference between home care and home health care is that home care is more ‘errands, transportation, housekeeping, grocery shopping and daily living assistance’, it has nothing to do with medical aid, injections or administering medications.
Does Medicare Cover Home Care & Daily Living Assistance Costs
Medicare does not cover personal or custodial care when that is the only care needed. Devoted Helpers provides non-medical home care, not Medicare-certified skilled home health services. See Medicare’s home health coverage guidance for requirements.
Get Assistance From one of the Leading Home Care Providers in Wichita, KS
Ask Medicare or a Medicare-certified home health agency about medical coverage. For separate non-medical home care, companionship, and everyday assistance in Wichita, call Devoted Helpers at (316) 570-9489.
