Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care involves a wide range of medical services you get in your own home. These services help you recover from an illness or injury, maintain your current condition, or slow the rate of decline. This type of care is often more convenient than hospital stays and can be just as effective depending on your specific needs.

Who Qualifies for Coverage?

Your home health care must be skilled and provided on a part-time or intermittent basis to qualify for Medicare coverage. You must also be considered homebound, meaning leaving your home is not recommended due to your condition, or it requires significant effort and help. You may still leave for medical treatment or short, infrequent non-medical absences like attending religious services. Attending adult day care does not disqualify you from receiving these benefits.

Services That Are Covered

Medicare covers skilled nursing care, such as wound care for pressure sores or monitoring serious illnesses. If you meet specific conditions, the coverage extends to speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Part-time home health aide care is covered only if you are also receiving skilled nursing or therapy services at the same time. Medical supplies for use at home and injectable osteoporosis drugs for eligible women are also included.

Services That Are Not Covered

Medicare excludes round-the-clock care provided in your home. Homemaker services unrelated to your care plan, such as shopping or cleaning, are excluded. Custodial or personal care for daily living activities, like bathing or dressing, is not covered if this is the only care you need. You do not qualify for home health services if your needs exceed part-time or intermittent skilled care.

How the Process Works

A doctor or health care provider must see you in person to confirm you need home health care. A Medicare-certified home health agency must provide the care, which must be ordered by your provider. The agency will schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and create a care plan. Staff members visit you on the schedule your provider sets and report your progress to your doctor.

Costs and Payment Details

There is no cost to you for home health services that Medicare covers. For Medicare-covered medical equipment, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount once you have met the Part B deductible. If you qualify, you can get an unlimited number of home health visits. Typically, part-time or intermittent care allows for up to 8 hours a day, with a weekly cap of 28 hours. You may receive more frequent care for a short time if your provider decides it is necessary.

Common questions

Last reviewed October 2026. Medicare rules, dates and dollar amounts can change each year; Medicare.gov has the official details.