Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care? Requirements & FAQs

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care? Key Takeaways

• Medicare covers skilled in-home care, like nursing, therapy, or medical social services, if it’s medically necessary and provided by a Medicare-approved agency


• Custodial care is not covered by Medicare unless it’s part of a doctor-approved medical care plan


• To qualify for insurance costs, your loved one must be homebound, need part-time skilled care, and be under a qualified provider’s supervision


A health emergency, like a fall or heart attack, might lead to a short hospital stay, but recovery often continues at home.

If you need support after discharge, Medicare can cover certain home health care services.

In fact, many older adults rely on this kind of support. About 3.7% of traditional Medicare and 2.7% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries recently received home health care, according to the Research Institute for Home Care.

In this guide, we will:


• Clarify what types of in-home care Medicare does and doesn’t cover


• Explain Medicare Parts A, B, and D


• Highlight how Always Best Care supports families through personalized care plans, Medicare guidance, and coordinated in-home services




Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care?



Yes, Medicare does cover certain skilled home health services, like nursing or physical therapy, if your elderly loved one is considered homebound and the care is medically necessary.



Understanding the Parts of Medicare



Before you choose coverage, it helps to understand how the different parts of Medicare work.

#### 1. Part A: Hospital Insurance

Part A helps cover the cost of hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health services.

#### 2. Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B helps with routine medical care, including home health care, doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment.

#### 3. Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D helps pay for prescription medications and many commonly recommended vaccines.



Care Services Covered by Medicare



If your loved one is eligible, Medicare will cover a wide range of in-home services, including:


• Skilled nursing care


• Medical social services


• Certain medical supplies


• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy




Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care for Dementia?



While Medicare doesn’t specifically offer dementia-focused home care, it can cover certain in-home health services if specific medical requirements are met, such as skilled nursing care, therapy services, and medical social services.



Medicare Eligibility Requirements for In-Home Nursing Care




• They need to be considered homebound.


• They need part-time or intermittent skilled care.


• They must be under the care of a qualified provider.


• The care must be provided by a Medicare-approved home health agency.

Does Medicare Cover Personal or Custodial Care?

In most cases, Medicare does not cover long-term, non-medical care, such as help with bathing, dressing, or meal prep, unless it’s tied to a covered home health service.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care Costs?

Medicare generally doesn’t cover nursing home stays or full-time custodial care. It also won’t pay for 24/7 home care, delivered meals, or homemaker services.

Quality Senior Care Starts With Always Best Care

At Always Best Care, we work with you to build a plan that fits your loved one’s routine and your peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for occasional support or more consistent, long-term help, you’ll only pay for the level of care that truly makes a difference.