Do You Qualify for Home Health Care?

Maryann Sannasardo | posted April 20, 2009 |

Have you been diagnosed with a new disease, are managing a long-term illness, or recovering from an accident, illness or surgery? If so, did you know that you may be able to receive health care at home as part of your Medicare benefits? As a R.N., I believe home health care is a very beneficial option, because it allows patients to stay in their home, where they are most comfortable.

Medicare participants are eligible for home health care benefits as long as they meet the Medicare requirements for homebound status and the need for services. Your physician will evaluate the need for home care and write a prescription for our services if they believe you qualify. When the home health nurse visits for the initial assessment, your eligibility will be confirmed, and then home health will be provided if you meet the criteria. Home health will keep you informed of your disease process and your medication management. I most definitely recommend it as a viable health care choice.

To help you better understand if you might be eligible, here are a few examples of who, from my experience as a regional sales director for AseraCare Home Health, would likely meet Medicare’s homebound status requirements and qualify.

• A person who needs additional physical therapy from an orthopedic injury or surgery or requires wound care
• A person battling an illness, like COPD, diabetes or heart disease, such as unstable blood pressure or congestive heart failure
• A person recovering from a stroke who needs rehabilitation therapy or has had a recent fall/balance problem

If you believe you might be eligible for home health care benefits with Medicare, I suggest you discuss it with your doctor. Even though your doctor may have a preference for a particular home health care agency, you have the choice of which agency you use as long as the agency is Medicare-certified, like AseraCare Home Health. Our nurse will recommend a plan of care to Medicare and the plan will be re-evaluated every 60 day period, which is called an “episode of care.” If after 60-days you still require more home health care services, you will need to be re-certified by your physician and by Medicare.

My enthusiasm and passion for home health continues to grow with each new patient referral. I know that at AseraCare we put our heart in our care, and can truly make a difference in the quality of our patients' lives in the comfort of their homes.