Home Care Services: What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare can be a lifesaver, but it is complex and sometimes even difficult to understand. Because of this, seniors can sometimes be blindsided by expensive bills for procedures and services they believed were covered, but really aren't. This is especially true when our elderly require home care services, mostly because Medicare covers very specific items in that area, but not everything that may be available.

This is why, to prevent being surprised with any big bills, it is always a good idea to ask exactly what is covered, how much will have to be paid out of pocket, how much of a deductible there will be, any co-pays, whether your Medicare is accepted by a specific facility, etc.

In what refers to home care services, there are a few rules of thumb that you should keep in mind when using Medicare, including the following:

• Home care services MUST be ordered by your physician. Otherwise, Medicare won't cover them.

• Medicare WILL pay for part-time nursing care, but NOT for 24 hours daycare at home.

• Medicare WILL pay for part-time health aide services, but NOT for homemaker services if that is the only thing you need.

• Medicare WILL pay for physical and occupational therapy, but NOT for personal care such as bathing, using the bathroom, etc.

• Medicare WILL NOT pay for meals that are delivered to your home.

• Medicare WILL pay for medical social services.

Additionally, for Medicare to pay for your home care services, there is a requirement that you be home-bound and your doctor must certify that this is the case, but you are still able to leave your home for medical care at an external facility or non-medical reasons, such as religious services or if you go to an adult daycare facility. For more information on what Medicare will cover when you are in need of home care services, please visit us at www.visitingangels.com/houstonnorthwest/home.