$0Cost of covered home health services
20%Your share of durable medical equipment
HomeboundRequired to qualify
DoctorMust certify your need
The requirements
Medicare Part A and/or Part B covers home health services if all of these are true:
- You are under the care of a doctor, and a plan of care is reviewed regularly.
- A doctor certifies that you need skilled nursing on a part-time or intermittent basis, or physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or ongoing occupational therapy.
- You are homebound: leaving home takes considerable effort and you leave only for short or infrequent trips, such as medical care or religious services.
- The agency is Medicare-certified.
- A face-to-face visit with a provider related to the reason for care took place within 90 days before or 30 days after you start home health.
What is covered
- Part-time skilled nursing and therapy at home
- Home health aide services (such as bathing) when you also need skilled care
- Medical social services and certain medical supplies
What it costs
| Service | Your cost in Original Medicare |
|---|---|
| Covered home health services | $0 |
| Durable medical equipment (wheelchair, walker, hospital bed) | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) |
What is not covered
- 24-hour care at home
- Meal delivery
- Homemaker services (shopping, cleaning, laundry) when that is the only help you need
- Custodial or personal care (bathing, dressing) when it is the only care needed
If you need ongoing help with daily activities, see how long-term care is paid for.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, but may require you to use network agencies and get prior authorization before home health begins. Ask before starting care.
Many people qualify for home health after a hospital stay. If you were admitted, ask the discharge planner to arrange it before you leave.