Eligibility & Payment

nurse and patient outside

To have your home health care covered by Medicare, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • You must be under the care of a doctor and receiving care services under a plan of care established and regularly reviewed by your doctor.
  • Your doctor must certify that you are in need of one or more of the following:
    • Intermittent skilled nursing care
    • Physical therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Speech therapy
  • The home health agency you hire must be Medicare certified.
  • You must be homebound, which means:
    • Leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition
    • Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (wheelchair, walker, needing special transportation, getting help from another person)

Medicare covers skilled nursing services; physical, occupational and speech therapies; medical social services (under the direction of your physician); and certain medical supplies and equipment.

Home health care may also be covered under your health insurance plan. Check with your provider to discover whether or not you’re covered.