Introduction
As we age or face illnesses, home health services are important in maintaining our health and quality of life. Thankfully, medicare covers many home health services to ensure that senior citizens and those with disabilities can access the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. However, understanding the various medicare-covered home health services can be complicated. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the home health services covered by medicare and how you can maximize your medicare benefits by taking advantage of them.
Navigating Medicare’s Home Health Services: What’s Covered and What Isn’t
Medicare covers home health services that are medically necessary, safe, and can be done at home. There are four main criteria for medicare coverage of home health services: you must be homebound, require skilled nursing care, require physical or occupational therapy, and have an established plan of care.
While medicare covers numerous home health services, there are also limitations and exceptions. Home health services that are primarily custodial, such as assistance with bathing and dressing, are not covered by medicare.
Maximizing Your Medicare Benefits: Understanding the Home Health Services Covered
Medicare covers a broad range of home health services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, medical social services, home health aide services, and durable medical equipment.
To be eligible for medicare-covered home health services, you must have a doctor’s order and be homebound, meaning that leaving the home requires assistance or it is medically unadvisable.
From Physical Therapy to Medical Equipment: Your Guide to the Various Home Health Services Covered by Medicare
Skilled nursing care: If you need skilled nursing care, including wound care, medication management, and injections, medicare will cover it. The nurse must be a licensed and certified professional per the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
Physical therapy: Medicare covers physical therapy services that help you regain strength, mobility, and flexibility after an injury or illness. A physical therapist will assess your needs and develop an individualized plan of care to help you achieve your goals.
Occupational therapy: If you have difficulty performing daily tasks due to an illness or injury, medicare covers occupational therapy. An occupational therapist will design a customized plan to improve your ability to perform daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Speech-language pathology services: Medicare covers speech-language pathology services if you have trouble communicating and/or swallowing. A speech-language pathologist will design a plan to address your specific needs.
Medical social services: If you need counseling regarding your emotional and social health, medicare covers medical social services. A social worker will be assigned to you, who can also offer referrals to community resources and support for family members.
Home health aide services: Medicare covers home health aide services if you need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as light housekeeping. The aide must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse or therapist.
Durable medical equipment: Medicare covers durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and hospital beds if your doctor deems it medically necessary. The equipment must be prescribed by a supplier who is enrolled in medicare.
Home Sweet Home: How Medicare Is Making It Easier to Receive Home Health Services
In 2020, medicare expanded its coverage for telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that medicare beneficiaries can now receive some home health services through telehealth, including virtual check-ins and remote evaluation of recorded images or videos.
Additionally, the Medicare Advantage program now offers more flexibility in the services and benefits that are covered, including home health services. It is important to check with your specific plan to determine the extent of coverage available to you.
Conclusion
Understanding the home health services covered by medicare is crucial for those in need of medical attention. This article has explained what home health services are covered by medicare, the eligibility requirements, and the different types of covered services. By maximizing your medicare benefits, you can receive the care you need in the comfort of your own home. Keep in mind the recent changes in medicare coverage for home health services and ensure you are taking advantage of all available benefits.