A lot of people don't know that home healthcare is available to them through Medicare. If you or a loved one are struggling to get by without in-home assistance, this post is for you. Here, we'll outline the steps necessary to qualify for home healthcare coverage under Medicare.
What is home healthcare?
Home healthcare services are health and personal care services provided in your home by a trained professional. These services can include anything from wound care and physical therapy to assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Home healthcare can be an invaluable resource for seniors who wish to age in place.
What are the benefits of home healthcare?
There are many benefits of receiving health services in the comfort of your own home. First and foremost, it allows you to maintain your independence and dignity. Home healthcare can also be less expensive than receiving care in a hospital or nursing facility. Additionally, it has been proven to promote healing and recovery.
What are the eligibility requirements for home healthcare under Medicare?
In order to qualify for home healthcare services under Medicare, you must meet the following criteria:
• You must be covered by Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
• You must be confined to your home (unable to leave without help) AND have a doctor’s recommendation that home healthcare is appropriate for your medical needs.
• You must require skilled nursing care or therapy Services OR need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and using the restroom..
• You must be make progress toward recovering from your illness or injury OR have your condition stabilizing so that you no longer require hospitalization..
If you meet all of the above criteria, you should contact a Medicare-certified home health agency to begin receiving services.
We hope this post was helpful in explaining how to qualify for home healthcare under Medicare. Home healthcare can be a great resource for seniors who wish to age in place. If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home health services, we encourage you to follow the steps outlined in this post. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.