Medicare Coverage of Home Care

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Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare provides coverage for long-term home care. It doesn't.

Medicare covers only limited periods of skilled nursing care and therapy at home, and only if certain strict conditions are met. Still, Medicare's home care coverage can be vital if the person you're caring for has suffered a serious medical event that suddenly changes his or her condition. Medicare can pay for costly short-term, intensive home care, which can give you a chance to arrange for longer-term care if it's needed.

Medicare or Medicaid?

One of the reasons many people mistakenly believe that Medicare covers long-term home care is that they confuse Medicare with Medicaid, which is a completely separate program only available to people who have very low income and few assets other than their home. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid can cover long-term home care, the amount and frequency depending on the patient's needs.

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Anonymous said about 1 month ago

Short and clear


about 1 month ago

My mom was diagnosed with dementia-she refuses to bathe I have read that some dementia patients become afraid of getting into the shower for fear of falling- will Medicare help pay for a shower chair?


3 months ago

Clarification of home care coverage was helpful. Is there anything in the new health care legislation that will help caregivers who work 24/7 to avoid placement of an Alzheimer patient?


5 months ago

Hello sleyva, Thank you for your question. If you'd like, you can post it in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


5 months ago

I'VE ACTUALLY BEEN BLESSED WITH BEING ABLE TO BE MY GRANDMOTHERS CAREGIVER. I'VE BEEN TAKING CARE OF HER THROUGH A COMPANY ONLY SINCE FEB. AND THEY JUST CUT MY PAY FOR THE SECOND TIME. AND WITH NO NOTICE. CAN THEY DO THAT?


7 months ago

Hello Anonymous, Thank you very much for your question. If you'd like to learn more about Long Term Care, take a look at this article: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/long-term-care-insurance ). I hope that helps! Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


Anonymous said 7 months ago

My friend had astroke that left him unable to do much for himself. where do we go yo grt long tremcare? And how to appley for any or all benefits he may be intile to.


8 months ago

Good basic description. Obviously there are many complications and exceptions to all of these rules.


8 months ago

Knowing what Medicare will and will not cover has been helpful. Also, the links to the Medicare website along with the 800 phone number are helpful, too.


about 1 year ago

difference between medicare and medical home help.


about 1 year ago

Stating what Medicare won't cover.


about 1 year ago

how to sign up for medicaid


almost 2 years ago

if your sister has medicaid any type of home care agency/personal care agency can help her with her ADLs (activites of daily living) such as bath, dressing, eating, mobility. Medicaid will pay for the services and can also pay for her walker that she needs.


almost 2 years ago

My sister needs a walker to get around her very small apartment. She needs home care to help her bath, fix meals, etc. Where ca I find help for her?


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