Does Medicare Part B Cover Caregivers?

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Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare Part B’s “outpatient services” include extensive coverage for in-home caregivers. However, Medicare’s coverage for in-home care is quite limited. Typically, the maximum number of hours a Medicare-covered caregiver can work is 8 hours per day or 28 hours per week.

It’s crucial to understand that Medicare only covers home care services when they are provided in conjunction with another form of skilled care. This means that a caregiver, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Home Health Aide (HHA), must work alongside or under the supervision of a skilled care provider like a registered nurse, physical therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist.

Medicare’s primary focus is on medical needs rather than custodial care. Custodial care includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. These services are vital for many seniors, yet Medicare generally does not cover them unless they are part of a broader skilled care plan.

Medicare diagram

Additional Information:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: For Medicare to cover in-home care, certain criteria must be met. The senior must be homebound, meaning it is considerably difficult for them to leave home without assistance. A doctor must certify the need for skilled care, and a care plan must be established and periodically reviewed by a physician.
  2. Types of Skilled Care Covered: Skilled care under Medicare includes services that require the expertise of licensed professionals. This can range from wound care, injections, monitoring of serious illnesses and unstable health statuses, to physical therapy to help regain mobility.
  3. Duration and Frequency: Medicare home health services are generally intended for intermittent care, meaning they are not meant for long-term or 24-hour care. Intermittent care is defined as fewer than seven days a week or less than eight hours each day over a period of 21 days, with some exceptions based on individual cases.
  4. Home Health Aide Services: While Medicare may cover some part-time or intermittent home health aide services, these are limited and must be part of the care plan under the direction of a skilled professional. The aide’s primary role is to assist with personal care activities, but only when they are part of the treatment for an illness or injury.
  5. Alternatives for Additional Care: Given the limitations of Medicare coverage, families often need to look for alternative funding sources for comprehensive in-home care. These can include Medicaid, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, and out-of-pocket payments. Each of these alternatives has its own eligibility requirements and coverage limits.
  6. Planning for Long-Term Care: Planning for long-term care needs is essential. Understanding Medicare’s limitations early can help families explore and secure additional resources. Consulting with a geriatric care manager or a financial advisor specializing in elder care can be beneficial in creating a comprehensive care plan.

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For more, up-to-date information on Medicare Part B’s coverage of caregivers, click the following link: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services