Guide
Does Medicare pay for home care?
This is the question that surprises the most families. Medicare covers some care at home, but rarely the kind most people mean by home care.
The short answer
Medicare pays for part-time or intermittent skilled nursing and therapy at home when a provider orders it and the person is homebound, through a certified agency, usually at $0. It does not pay for round-the-clock care, meals, housekeeping, or help with bathing and dressing when that is the only need. Long-term daily help usually comes from Medicaid, insurance or private funds.
Side by side
| Medicare home health | Medicaid Long-Term Care | Private pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Homebound, ordered by a provider, needs skilled care | Meets income, assets and nursing home level of care | Anyone |
| What it covers | Part-time skilled nursing, therapy, some aide help tied to skilled care | Personal care, homemaker, respite, nursing and more on your plan of care | Whatever you choose |
| How long | While skilled need continues; recertified | While you stay eligible | As long as you like |
| Waiting list | None | Often yes | None |
The numbers
Medicare describes part-time or intermittent care as up to eight hours a day and a maximum of 28 hours a week, with more possible for short periods. It should cost $0 for covered services. Medicare Advantage plans cover home health too but can use their own networks and approvals, so check your plan.
What "homebound" means
Leaving home takes considerable effort and usually help. You can still go to medical appointments and occasional short outings such as religious services.
Filling the gap
When Medicare covers a nurse twice a week, the rest of the week is still yours to solve. Families use private hours, long-term care insurance, Medicaid Long-Term Care or state programs through the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Questions families ask
Is Aster Care Medicare-certified?
Please ask us on your care call. We will tell you plainly which payers we can accept for your situation.
Does Medicare pay family members?
No. Medicare does not pay relatives for caregiving. See the programs that do.