For most of our services, there is no cost to the patient. Patients and family members will be informed prior to the start of care of any charges they will incur. Our Medicare and Medicaid patients are 100% covered, and there is no cost to them.

When will Medicare pay for your care at home?

If you are homebound - it is hard for you to leave your home by yourself - and you need skilled nursing care (less than 7 days a week or 7 days a week for a short amount of time) or skilled therapy.

What types of care will Medicare pay for?

• Skilled nursing care such as injections and wound care
• Skilled therapy services such as physical, speech and occupational therapy
• Home health aide services such as help with bathing, dressing and eating
• Medical social services such as counseling
• Durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen and walkers
• Medical supplies such as needles, syringes and gauze

How much care will Medicare pay for?

Medicare covers up to 35 hours a week of combined skilled nursing and home health aid services, although most people get much less. Medicare pays the full cost of all care you get from a Medicare-certified home health agency, which is an agency that is allowed by Medicare to give services to people with Medicare.

What should you do if you want Medicare to pay for your home care?

Talk with your doctor about your home care needs. Ask your doctor to contact a Medicare- certified home health agency on your behalf. There may be several Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area. If the first agency you call is unable to help you, contact another.

What criteria must be met for Medicare to approve services?

The following criteria are used to meet Medicare requirements:

• The patient must be covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B.
• The patient must be homebound. This is defined as normal inability to leave home and that where leaving the home requires a considerable or taxing effort.
• The skilled care must be medically necessary as determined by the physician.