What Insurance Covers In-Home Care?
In-home care is a service in which caregivers provide assistance in the home environment for people that need support with activities of daily living, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and other tasks. Understanding what insurance may cover for in-home services can assist in making the decision to access this important support.
Medicare
Medicare works directly with home care agencies to pay for certain approved home care services. Generally, Medicare will pay an approved home care agency after a person or their representative has signed a contract with them. Medicare typically will cover care provided by such agencies as long as it is necessary and skilled. Some examples of such care include nursing services, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program designed to provide medical assistance to needy, low-income individuals. Each state has its own guidelines as to what Medicaid covers with regards to in-home care. Generally, Medicaid will cover home health aides if needed for medical care. This includes aid for bathing and other related activities.
Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance policies can provide coverage for skilled care, personal care and custodial care given in the home, although it is important to check the specific policy to ascertain what is covered. The cost and terms of coverage can vary from one policy to another.
Veteran’s Benefits
Veterans may be able to access a broad range of home-based services through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. These programs include respite and homemaker services, adult day health care, geriatric outpatient clinics, geriatric and extended care services, organizational household services and community residential care.
Private Insurance
Private insurance companies may offer different coverage options for in-home care services. Check with the plan and/or policy to determine if home health care services are offered in the home.
Conclusion
In-home care services provide individuals with access to important health-related care and support. Knowing what insurance coverage may be available is key when considering whether to use in-home care services. Medicare, Medicaid, Long-term Care Insurance, Veteran’s Benefits, and Private Insurance are all forms of insurance that may offer in-home care coverage options.
