When recovering from a long illness or injury at home, experienced home healthcare providers can give you the care you need. This care can include skilled nursing and therapy services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, IV therapy, wound care, and other medical and social services.
When it comes to paying for such services, many insurance providers, including Medicare, will cover all or portions of these expenses. In general, however, for Medicare to compensate you, your situation must meet the following criteria:
- Homebound. You must be homebound, which means you are unable to leave your home without the use of an assistive device such as a wheelchair, walker, or crutches. Alternatively, if your doctor has determined that it is unsafe for you to leave your home, you may also be considered homebound. Your doctor should sign a home health certification which says that you are both homebound and qualify for assistance from Medicare. Your doctor should submit this information, along with a care plan, to Medicare on your behalf.
- Skilled care. You must require skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis, which means a few times a week or a few times a month. If you require daily or 24/7 care, these services will not be covered. The skilled services you receive must also be specific, safe, and effective for treating your condition in order for it to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Certified home health agency. To receive Medicare assistance, you must receive your care from a Medicare-certified home health agency such as Graceworks at Home.
Provided that your situation and home healthcare provider meets all of these criteria, you should receive assistance from Medicare for your required home healthcare needs. For more information, visit Medicare.gov.
