Frequently Asked Questions
(click on any of the links below for more information)

How do I know if I need medical home health care?

When does Medicare pay for home care?

Medicare will pay for your home care if:

1. Your doctor certifies that you are homebound, meaning it takes a considerable and taxing effort to leave your home; and

2. You need skilled physical, speech or occupational therapy services, or skilled nursing on an intermittent (less than seven days a week) or part-time (less than eight hours a day) basis. If you only require skilled nursing, you must either need it fewer than seven days a week (even as little as once every 60 to 90 days) or daily (seven days a week) for a short period of time (usually two to three weeks); and

3. Your doctor certifies your need for home care, and

4. You receive your care from a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA).

What types of home care will Medicare pay for?

What types of home care won’t Medicare pay for?

What does it mean to be homebound?

How do I start getting home care benefits?

How do I choose a home health agency?