Top Ten Frequently-Asked Questions
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Does Medicare cover home health care services?
- Yes, when ordered by a physician and the patient is continuing to progress, Medicare covers home health care.
Does Medicare pay for nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities?
- Yes, after a qualifying stay at a hospital, Medicare will cover a stay at a skilled nursing community for continued care and rehabilitation.
Does Medicare cover assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
- No, Medicare does not cover long-term care (i.e. assistance with ADLs). In some instances, Medi-Cal can assist with long-term care payments.
What is home health care?
- Home health care is a skilled level of nursing care (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy) at the individual’s place of residence.
What is palliative care at home?
- Palliative care is delivered by a specialized care team to ensure symptom management of a chronic illness. Palliative care can be given wherever an individual resides.
What is hospice at home?
- Hospice care is symptom management of a terminal illness when a patient is expected to have less than six (6) months to live. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team wherever an individual resides.
Does Medicare cover in-home care?
- No, in-home care is considered “long-term care” for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and is not covered by Medicare.
What is home care?
- Also known as “in-home care,” home care is when a caregiver comes into one’s home to assist with ADLs.
How much does 24/7 in-home care cost?
- Depending on the agency and location, 24/7 in-home care is approximately $22,000/mo.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
- No, because assisted living involves assistance with ADLs, it is considered long-term care, which Medicare does not cover.
