Medicare provides coverage for a variety of home health care services as long as the services are necessary for treatment of injury or illness. Medicare may cover up to 8 hours of home health care a day for a maximum 28 hours per week (may vary; case by case).

• Rehabilitation therapy
  • Rehab services help individuals regain daily function and increase independency for every day activities. Services include but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
• Medical supplies and equipment
  • Medicare will cover the cost of equipment/supplies on a case by case basis. For example, Medicare may cover the cost of renting certain equipment such as a hospital bed or wheelchair, though the individual can purchase the equipment at a later date. Equipment/services included are canes, infusion pumps, hospital beds, traction equipment, wound dressings and supplies and more.
• Medical & social services
  • Typically assistance from a social worker or a counselor, services are offered with the end goal of helping individuals deal with emotional issues that interfere with recovery/rehabilitation.
• Skilled nursing care
  • Services include wound care and dressing changes, tube feedings, IVs and education in disease management.
• Personal care
  • Services include assistance with personal activities such as bathing, bathroom, dressing and any other activities which are affected by the disease/illness.

To be eligible for Medicare home health care coverage, one must meet the following criteria:

• Must be homebound; unable to leave your home without a considerable effort and/or requiring the use of mobility aid such as a cane or a walker and/or the assistance of a caregiver
• Must have coverage via Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
• Must be under the care of a registered nurse/doctor, or by a medical professional who is working directly with your doctor
• Must be under a care plan created by your doctor/nurse, and the outlined services must be reviewed regularly by the doctor, AND require any of the following:
  • Intermittent skilled nursing care
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Occupational therapy
• Services must be provided by a certified home health care agency such as Royal Oaks Home Care.

NOTE: Medicare will continue to cover your home health care services as long as your doctor recertifies once every 60 days.