Home health care can be an excellent way for many seniors and people with disabilities who require assistance with living independently to stay in their own homes, yet the cost can drain their savings quickly, leaving nothing for their loved ones to inherit as an inheritance. Fortunately, many individuals requiring 24-hour home health care qualify for Medicaid assistance.
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care Services? It depends on each state’s individual Medicaid program as the answer can vary widely depending on its details. There are various forms of Medicaid programs such as regular State Plans (commonly referred to as Institutional Medicaid), Home and Community Based Services Waivers (1915(c), or 1115 waivers which cover home healthcare services provided in homes in other states; additionally some states also offer Managed Long-Term Care Services or Personal Assistance Service Programs (PAS).
Medicare home health services require individuals to meet a few eligibility requirements in order to receive services, such as being medically considered homebound (over age 65) or needing physician-prescribed home health plans of care with skilled nursing, therapy or home health aide services such as medication management or bathing support. Services typically run for 60-day episodes of care. Beneficiaries who remain beneficiaries after this time period is completed can continue receiving these services after this initial episode has expired.
Medicare’s Home Healthcare Benefit is not the only homecare program available to people covered by Medicaid in most states; many also have state-run homecare programs for people covered by their state Medicaid plan, such as Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) and Homemaker and Companion Services (HHCs). CHHAs typically provide home-bound patients with skilled therapy following discharge from hospitals or rehabilitation facilities while Homemaker and Companion Services may contract with LHCSAs to provide home health aides or directly provide these aides themselves.
HHCs provide assistance with household activities and are typically provided by family or friends of the beneficiary. Some states also offer Consumer Direction, allowing beneficiaries to hire their own caregivers and submit timesheets for payment. Other options available through Medicaid in most or all states include transportation and escort services, respite care services, nutritional supplement services and assistive technology devices that help increase safety and independence.
If you have questions about what Medicaid covers in your area, reach out to your local office. An experienced representative will guide you through the process and help determine which home health care benefits are available to you as well as providing you with a list of reputable providers who can assist in your care. Finding appropriate home care can make a huge difference in keeping yourself or loved ones healthy, comfortable, and independent – don’t delay getting started; contact Care Advisor now and set an appointment – our free tool gives options, advice and next steps tailored specifically to each situation!