Because of reasons related to aging, illness, or recovery from injuries, many people in the US require assistance in their daily lives at home. Home care (also called in-home care) refers to individuals receiving caregiving services in the comfort of their own home, as opposed to moving to a nursing or home care facility. Caregivers can be professional caregivers who visit the home of their clients for a set number of hours, or family caregivers, someone who lives with the person in their house. Caregiving services can encompass specialist medical duties like occupational therapy or nursing, as well as non-medical support in daily activities such as bathing, grooming, eating, and household chores like laundry and housekeeping. Typically, non-medical home care services are managed by a home care agency.
In many cases, individuals may require a combination of both medical and non-medical home care services, leading to confusion about whether the expenses can be covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The regulations surrounding insurance and government assistance for home care vary from state to state, and in this article, we will focus on the state of Minnesota. A survey by the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services conducted in 2010 predicted that, by 2030, 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be an older adult–labeling the upcoming demographic shift an “age wave” that the state’s social services needed to be prepared for support. With that in mind, let’s look at whether Medicare covers home care in Minnesota.
Does Medicare Pay for Home Care in Minnesota?
Home care offers a higher quality of life and improved health outcomes compared to nursing home care. The ability to maintain independence in a familiar environment close to family and friends is invaluable. However, home care comes with costs, whether hiring a professional in-home caregiver or personally acting as a caregiver for a loved one, as millions of Americans do. Therefore, the question often arises: Does Medicare cover home care in Minnesota?
The answer is that it depends. In Minnesota, Medicare can sometimes cover home care, but only so long as specific conditions are met. However, Medicare is not the sole option for obtaining financial assistance for home care. Affordable home care agencies in Minnesota offer services covered by Medicaid, providing a broader range of support than what Medicare can offer.
Medicare For Home Care In Minnesota
Medicare’s home health benefit covers certain services carried out in the home but only in the following cases:
- First, the in-home services must require skilled medical care in order to be covered by Medicare. This means that the health services must be carried out by a trained medical professional, such as a nurse or therapist.
- Second, Medicare will also usually cover short-term home care (up to around 60 days) following a hospital stay to assist recovery and prevent re-hospitalization.
If you meet these conditions, then home care can be covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota.
How To Get Medicare To Pay For Home Care
Medicare only covers home care if it is provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA). To initiate the application process, individuals should request a list of HHAs from their doctor and contact them directly. For those still in the hospital, relevant hospital staff, such as a discharge planner, can help arrange post-discharge home care through an HHA.
The HHA will conduct an assessment of the individual’s needs and create a care plan. This plan must be approved by the doctor, either within 90 days before or 30 days after the start of the home care period.
Does Medicare Cover 24/7 Home Care?
Medicare’s home health benefit explicitly does not cover cases that need 24/7 care. Other services that Medicare will not cover include:
- Long-term care, e.g., due to aging
- Prescription medications
- Assistive personal care, e.g., help with moving around the house, dressing, or using the bathroom
- Meals delivery
- Homemaking/housekeeping services such as laundry or meal preparation
More information on what precisely is covered by Medicare can be found here.
If you or a loved one requires long-term care or could benefit from non-medical personal care services, the best approach is to contact a home care agency based in Minnesota.
Home Care Agency With Medicaid In Minnesota
Nova Home Care Minnesota is a home care agency that offers professional, personalized in-home care services in the state of Minnesota. Our services are covered by Medicaid, and we can help you arrange a care plan for yourself or a loved one that also incorporates any government benefits you may qualify for. If you are caring for a family member in Minnesota and looking for financial assistance, we invite you to apply to be a caregiver and receive a salary, training, resources, and employment benefits to support you in taking care of a relative in need.
By choosing Nova Home Care Minnesota, you can benefit from a greater range of services than what Medicare will cover, such as:
- Personal assistance with activities of daily living
- Reliable transportation to and from errands and appointments
- Companionship and conversation
Contact us online or call 317-537-2490 to find out more about how we can help you or your loved one live a satisfying life at home.