Home health care is a health service program that provides a range of skilled and personal care services to people in their home. The goal is to treat illness or injury while helping a person recover and regain independence.
Services are provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA). For those who qualify, Medicare’s home health benefit may cover:
- Skilled nursing care (e.g., injections, catheter care, wound treatment)
- Skilled therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
- Home health aide services, when provided along with skilled care
- Medical social services to assist with social and emotional concerns
- Medical supplies (e.g., wound dressings, catheters)
- Durable medical equipment (DME), such as walkers or wheelchairs (covered at 80%)
Note that Medicare does not cover:
- 24-hour care at home
- Meals delivered to the home
- Prescription drugs (unless covered separately under Part D)
- Custodial care such as housekeeping, meal preparation, or bathing, unless it is part of a skilled care visit
Home health care resources for professionals
What is Home Health Care? (video)
Home Health Care Frequently Asked Questions
Share with older adults
The Medicare Rights Center also created this Home Health Care tip sheet for consumers.
And every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that can offer unbiased assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Find your local SHIP.
