If a patient needs skilled nursing or rehabilitation care at home, either Medicare Part A (following a minimum three-day hospital stay) or Part B (no hospital-stay requirement) can cover it. The care may be provided in the patient's home or anywhere else he or she stays. If a patient meets the requirements to qualify for home care (see "How does someone qualify for Medicare coverage of at-home care?" below), Medicare can cover skilled nursing care and physical and speech therapy as needed while the patient recovers from an illness, condition, or injury. Medicare also covers needed medical supplies and equipment.

Medicare doesn't generally cover nonmedical at-home care and assistance, including meals and housekeeping. However, if a patient is getting Medicare coverage for skilled nursing or therapy at home, Medicare generallys pays for limited visits by an aide from a home care agency to help him or her with personal care. If Medicare covers skilled care for the patient, it can also cover the services of an occupational therapist to help him or her relearn how to accomplish daily personal care and household tasks safely.