- A home health agency is an organization that provides in-home healthcare services to Medicare beneficiaries. Home health agencies are typically licensed and certified by Medicare to provide a range of services, including nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home health aide services.
- If a Medicare beneficiary needs in-home healthcare services, they may be eligible to receive services from a Medicare home health agency. To be eligible for home health services through Medicare, a beneficiary must be homebound (meaning they are unable to leave their home without significant difficulty), and they must be under the care of a doctor. The beneficiary must also be receiving services from a home health agency that is approved by Medicare.
- To receive services from a Medicare home health agency, a beneficiary will need to have a face-to-face visit with a healthcare professional (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) who will determine eligibility for home health services. If the beneficiary is eligible, the healthcare professional will create a plan of care that
outlines the services that they will receive and the frequency of those services. - If a beneficiary has any questions about receiving services from a Medicare home health agency or about their Medicare coverage, it is recommended that they contact a home health agency or speak with a Medicare representative. The beneficiary may also want to discuss their coverage with their healthcare provider to ensure that they understand the treatment options and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
