What Does the Original Medicare Plan Cover?
If you meet all four of the above conditions for home health care, Medicare will cover:
Skilled nursing care on a part-time or
intermittent basis. Skilled nursing care includes services and care that can
only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered
nurse or a licensed practical nurse).
Home health aide services on a part- time or
intermittent basis. A home health aide does not have a nursing license. The
aide provides services that support any services that the nurse provides. These
services include help with personal care, such as bathing, using the toilet, or
dressing. These types of services do not need the skills of a licensed nurse.
Medicare does not cover home health aide services unless you are also getting
skilled care such as nursing care or other therapy. The home health aide
services must be part of the home care for your illness or injury.
Physical therapy, speech language pathology services, and
occupational therapy for as long as your doctor says you need it.
Medicare covers these types of therapy:
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1) Physical therapy, which includes exercise to regain movement and strength to a body area, and training on how to use special equipment or do daily activities, like how to get in and out of a wheelchair or bathtub. 2) Speech language pathology services, which includes exercise to regain and strengthen speech skills. 3) Occupational therapy, which helps you become able to do usual daily activities by yourself. You might learn new ways to eat, put on clothes, comb your hair, and new ways to do other usual daily activities. You may continue to receive occupational therapy even if you no longer need other skilled care. |
Medical social services to help you with social
and emotional concerns you have related to your illness. This might include
counseling or help in finding resources in your community.
Certain medical supplies, like wound dressings,
but not drugs or prescriptions.
Medical equipment. Medicare usually pays 80
percent of the approved amount for certain pieces of medical equipment, such as
a wheelchair or walker.
Medicare will cover any of these kinds of therapy for as long as you are eligible and your doctor says you need them.
The Original Medicare Plan covers these home health care services:
Medicare Services Covered:
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Part-Time or Intermittent Skilled Nursing Care |
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Part- Time or Intermittent Home Health Aide Services |
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Physical and Occupational Therapy |
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Speech Language Pathology Services |
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Medical Social Services |
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Medical Supplies (not drugs or biologicals) |
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Durable Medical Equipment* |
*The Original Medicare Plan usually pays 80% of the approved amount for certain pieces of medical equipment. You may have to pay 20% of the approved amount for durable medical equipment. Ask your supplier “Do you accept assignment?” Assignment could save you money. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Return to Previous PageIf you have any questions or comments on senior health nutrition, fitness, etc., go to the Senior Health Forum where we are talking about the following:
The information contained in these pages
is for educational / reference use only.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health
Graphics:
Public Domain
