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Unfortunately, Medicare does not usually pay for in-home care provided by family members.
Medicare may pay for short-term at-home care depending on your plan, but this care must be provided by a skilled nursing professional.
Other professional services, like physical therapy or occupational therapy may be covered under Medicare if your doctor orders it and the care is provided by a non-family member.
You can contact MedicareInsurance.com today to learn more about your Medicare plan options and what may or may not be covered in certain healthcare scenarios.
If you develop a medical condition that requires frequent or constant at-home healthcare, this can be time consuming and expensive. Often, the responsibility of becoming a caregiver for a mother, father, or parent can fall to an adult child, leaving many to wonder “does Medicare pay for family members to be a caregiver?”
Unfortunately, Medicare is not responsible for covering the expenses of medical or custodial care provided by family members. However, on occasion, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) may cover at-home healthcare provided by skilled nursing professionals.
Exactly what type of care is covered in this scenario depends on a number of factors. Let’s discuss some of them together.
If you are wondering, “how do I get Medicare to pay for a caregiver?” here is the answer: For the most part, whether Medicare will cover in-home caregivers depends on exactly what type of care one is receiving. Keep in mind that to remain eligible for Medicare at-home medical care coverage, you will need to see your doctor fewer than 90 days before, or 30 days after, you begin to receive home healthcare services.
In the following scenarios, Medicare benefits may apply:
In-home medical care is defined as any professional-grade medical care that one receives at home as a result of doctor’s orders. Typically, services and treatments of this variety that are covered by Medicare include:
If a qualified, Medicare-approved physical therapist provides you with in-home treatment, Medicare may cover the following services:
If a qualified, Medicare-approved occupational therapist treats you at home, the following services are likely to be covered under Medicare:
If a qualified, Medicare-approved speech therapist provides you with in-home treatment, Medicare may pay for the following:
Medicare does not typically cover caregivers who are solely responsible for custodial care needs, such as dressing, personal hygiene, restroom assistance, meal prep and delivery, and daily living, unless these services are provided short-term and by professionals approved by Medicare.
Typically, Medicare will not pay for 24-hour in-home care, full-time skilled nursing care, or transportation, unless these services are covered under your specific Medicare Advantage plan. If you have additional questions or concerns about assistance for caregivers under Medicare, click here for additional information and resources.
For professional assistance with researching and comparing Medicare Advantage plans in your area, reach out to MedicareInsurance.com today via our online chat feature, or by phone at (800) 950-0608. Our friendly and professional agents are fully licensed and are ready and willing to help.