Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care? A Plain-Language Guide

Short answer: Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) covers certain home health services. To qualify, you must be homebound and need part-time or intermittent skilled care, a doctor or other provider must see you and order the care, and a Medicare-certified home health agency must provide it. Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care or for personal care when that is the only help you need. (Source: Medicare.gov)

What Medicare home health can include

According to Medicare.gov, covered services can include: – Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, such as wound care, patient and caregiver education, injections, and monitoring of a serious illness – Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology (if you meet certain conditions) – Medical social services – Part-time or intermittent home health aide care, but only if you are also getting skilled nursing or therapy at the same time – Durable medical equipment and medical supplies for use at home

Who is eligible

Medicare.gov explains that you must need part-time or intermittent skilled services and be “homebound.” That means leaving home isn’t recommended because of your condition, or you need help (a cane, walker, wheelchair, special transportation or another person) to leave, and leaving home takes a lot of effort. You can still leave for medical treatment, religious services or short, infrequent outings.

Before services start, a doctor or other health care provider, such as a nurse practitioner, must see you in person, confirm that you need home health care, and order it.

What Medicare does not pay for

Medicare.gov lists these as not covered: – 24-hour-a-day care at home – Home meal delivery – Homemaker services, such as shopping and cleaning, that aren’t related to your care plan – Custodial or personal care (bathing, dressing, using the bathroom) when it is the only care you need

Many families pay privately for these services or explore state programs. See our guide to MassHealth and state programs.

What it costs

For covered home health services, Medicare.gov says you pay nothing. After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment. The agency must tell you in advance, in writing, if Medicare won’t pay for something (the “Advance Beneficiary Notice”). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan, because its rules can differ.

How Right Care can help

Right Care Services Inc. is a Medicare-certified home health agency. We provide skilled nursing, home health aide and CNA care, and physical and occupational therapy, in your home. We work with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, MassHealth and other plans. Coverage depends on plan; we verify benefits before care begins.

FAQ

Do I have to be in the hospital first? No. Medicare.gov does not require a hospital stay for home health; you need a provider’s order and must meet the eligibility rules. Will Medicare pay for an aide only? Not if personal care is the only care you need. Aide care is covered only alongside skilled nursing or therapy. How many visits can I get? If you qualify, there is no visit limit. Care is usually up to 8 hours a day and 28 hours a week combined (Medicare.gov).

Sources: Medicare.gov, “Home health services,” https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services (accessed Oct 20, 2026).

Call (978) 641-6909 for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and check your benefits. This article is general information, not medical or legal advice.