Guide to Home Care

Questions and Answers about Home Health

Q: What is home health?
A: Home health care is the delivery of medical and personal care services to the patient IN THE HOME. These services can include one or more of the following: a nurse, home health aide, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, social worker
or dietician.

Q: Who can use home health?
A: People of all ages and needs can use home health care.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for home health?
A: In order to qualify for home health, you must have a medical need for skilled nursing and/or physical therapy. You must also be homebound.

Q: What is homebound?
A: Medicare defines homebound as “requiring a maximum and taxing effort to leave your home.” Home health patients should not drive.

Q: How do I get home health?
A: Patients must be under the care of a physician who works with the agency to manage your care. If your doctor decides that you need home health care, you have the right to request the home health agency of your choice.

Q: Who pays for home health care?
A: Traditional Medicare covers 100 percent of home health care services. United also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and private pay.