Who Pays For Home Health Care?
Many people are surprised to learn that home health care is expensive and is not covered by most insurance plans.
Most senior citizens want to stay in their homes as long as possible. In order to do that, some seniors require in home medical care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). But whose responsibility is it to pay for home health care? The answer may surprise you.
MEDICARE PAYS FOR HOME HEALTH CARE … SOMETIMES
Medicare will pay for home health care under limited conditions. The care must be ordered by a doctor; the senior must have an intermittent need for skilled medical care that can only be provided by a professional, such as a nurse or a physical therapist; and the senior must be homebound. This Medicare benefit does not provide 24-hour in home nursing care.
MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES (HCBS)
Seniors who have little income and few or no assets may qualify for the state’s medical assistance program, often called Medicaid. Medicaid pays for home health care on a limited basis. HCBS usually pays for a caregiver to come into the home a few times per week to help the senior with ADLs such as showering, dressing and preparing meals. Again, Medicaid does not pay for round the clock care.
LOCAL PROGRAMS
Some cities, counties, and states have programs that provide free or low-cost in home care to senior citizens who meet income guidelines. For more information about local programs, seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging.
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Some long term care insurance policies help defray the costs of home health care. Seniors with long term care insurance policies should check with their agents to see what their benefits are.
PRIVATE PAY
Sadly, the senior usually pays for home health care out of his or her own resources. Those who do not have a caregiver and cannot afford to hire round the clock care usually end up going into a nursing home, where Medicaid assumes the cost of care.
Related posts
- What Are The Pros & Cons Of Home Health Care?
- What Are The Different Types Of Home Health Care Services?
- What Is A Home Health Plan Of Care?
- Does The Health Department Regulate Senior Care?
- How Do I Qualify For Home Health Care?
2 Responses to “Who Pays For Home Health Care?”
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My mother and father needs help, more so my mother. So I need to find out how I talk to and how do I get her help ASAP. So please can someone e-mail me back. They lives in Louisiana. Thanks.
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