There are a variety of treatments that once required a hospital visit, but can now be administered at home. These services are administered by skilled professionals via a practice called home health care. Sometimes, Medicare will pay for home health care services.
To learn more about whether you could be eligible for home health care, continue reading.
What is Home Health Care?
Home health care is a less expensive and more convenient form of health care that takes place in someone’s residence. This care can be just as effective as care received in the hospital or in skilled nursing facilities. Usually, the purpose of home health care is to provide comfortable treatment for injuries and illnesses. Though, when it is possible, there is also an additional goal of helping people regain their independence and become self-sufficient in their daily lives.
Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care?
Medicare will pay for home health care services in some cases. Though, you must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for coverage. The services you request be paid for must fit certain criteria to determine if home health care is reasonable or even necessary.
Who is Eligible?
Home health benefits are available to all Medicare beneficiaries. Though, you must meet the eligibility requirements to use these benefits. Some eligibility requirements include:
- You are under the care of a doctor and receiving services under an established plan of care that is regularly reviewed by a doctor.
- A doctor certifies that you need any of the following:
- Intermittent skilled nursing care (other than drawing blood)
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Continued occupational therapy
- The agency administering your home health care is Medicare-approved
- You are homebound (you are unable to easily leave your home)
- You have engaged with your doctor or nurse practitioner face-to-face within required timeframes dictated by the health care professional.
Do You Need Home Health Care?
If you need home health care and fit the above criteria, you should consider switching some of your treatments to a home health care agency. In doing so, you can boost comfort and convenience while still receiving the critical care that you need to improve your health.
To learn more about Medicare’s home health care benefits, contact Magellan Healthcare for a free consultation. You can call us at 866-779-3553.
