Medicare may cover home healthcare services for senior patients recovering from surgery, illness or injury in their own homes. Unfortunately, many seniors and their families remain confused as to the duration of coverage available under this program and how best they can gain more insight into its inner workings.
Unraveling Coverage Duration and Limitations
To qualify for home health care under Medicare Parts A and B, a physician must first deem an individual homebound and require short-term skilled nursing or therapy services to treat illness or injury. Once this decision has been made, services from an agency approved by Medicare must then be purchased; once implemented by that agency a plan of care will then be regularly reviewed by another Medicare-approved doctor to ensure optimal care delivery.
Medicare covers up to 60 days of home health care per person; this may be extended if their physician recertifies them for extended care on an ongoing basis as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Recertification occurs every 30 days and physicians can do this an unlimited number of times as long as their patient meets eligibility.
As well as home healthcare visits, Medicare-approved agencies offer medical supplies and durable equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. Furthermore, they may also offer medical social services designed to address any emotional or social concerns related to home healthcare as well as locate local resources in the community.
Medicare does not cover custodial or personal care services like help with bathing or dressing; thus it’s wise to explore alternative solutions like private insurance or Medicaid as a means to offset their cost.
How long will medicare cover home health care is best understood through speaking to and reading your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN), which should clearly outline what Medicare covers and does not cover as well as associated costs for each item or service provided. If any items or services provided that aren’t covered under Medicare are given by your home health agency they must inform you both verbally as well as through an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) notice.
Home health care coverage limits can be restrictive; however, seniors requiring assistance with daily living activities have other options available to them. A Medicare supplement plan – a type of private insurance designed to fill gaps in coverage – may help seniors afford home healthcare; individuals can also hire private caregivers based on their specific needs; this option could prove more cost-effective and flexible than finding long-term care facilities or nursing homes.