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What Does Medicaid Cover for Home Health Care?
Date Updated: January 30, 2025
Written by:
Sarah has produced thousands of articles in diverse niches over her decade-long career as a full-time freelance writer. This includes substantial content in the fields of senior care and health care. She has experience writing about wide-ranging topics, such as types of care, care costs, funding options, state Medicaid programs and senior resources.
Reviewed by:
Kristi Bickmann, a licensed Long-Term Care Specialist, represents top-rated "Traditional" & "Hybrid" LTC companies. Serving associations such as the American Nurses Association, she's a licensed insurance agent in 27 states. Specializing in insurance products for seniors, Kristi helps hundreds of families every year protect assets, retirement, and loved ones. She understands aging concerns firsthand, having assisted her own parents. Kristi ensures accuracy on topics about senior long-term care and its consequences.
Medicaid covers home health care using various medical and therapeutic services for qualifying individuals. Although rules and coverage vary by state, eligibility criteria includes a functional medical need and limited financial means. Not all providers accept Medicaid payments, and individuals may need to pay out-of-pocket for non-covered services.
Home Health Care Overview
Home health care allows older adults to receive essential medical and rehabilitative support in the comfort and privacy of their homes, and agencies provide tailored services based on an individual’s needs. Care teams include medical professionals with relevant training, qualifications and experience. Home health care staff members include:
- Nurses
- Nursing aides
- Dietitians
- Medical social workers
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Seniors benefit from home health care following a hospital stay due to a severe illness, injury or surgery. Home care services enable them to recover at home rather than remain in a hospital or go to a nursing home for further care.
Medicaid Coverage of Home Health Care Services
Those who meet the eligibility criteria receive Medicaid funding for various home support services. Depending on the state, financial assistance may come through traditional state Medicaid plans or Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Programs. Individuals should ensure their chosen home health care agency accepts public funding.
Common home health care services covered by Medicaid include:
- Intermittent skilled nursing
- Physical, speech and occupational therapies
- Counseling
- Nutritional guidance
- Medical social services
- Personal care assistance
Other Medicaid Support at Home
For qualifying seniors, Medicaid often covers diverse additional support services that enable them to live safely and comfortably at home. Nonmedical home care agencies deliver services such as:
- Companionship
- Assistance with everyday activities
- Help with housekeeping and errands
- Non Medical transportation
Extra in-home support typically includes:
- Home modifications
- Vehicle modifications
- Personal alert systems
- Medical equipment and mobility aids
- Medical transportation
- Home-delivered meals
- Respite care
- Adult day health care