People may require assistance with their daily lives at home for various reasons, including aging, recovery from illness or injury, chronic conditions, disability, or mental health challenges. While home care offers many advantages over residential facilities or nursing homes, it does come with associated costs, even for those fortunate enough to have family members able to step in and provide care. It is possible to receive government support for in-home care in the US, but it varies from state to state. That’s why you might ask yourself, “How do I get home care through Medicare in Connecticut?”
It is possible to get home care through Medicare in Connecticut, but only if certain conditions are met. Nevertheless, if you do not meet those conditions, there are also affordable or government-assisted alternatives for home care in Connecticut that use Medicaid or other means of support. In this article, we will explore how to access home care through Medicare in Connecticut and what other options are available.
How To Get Home Care Through Medicare In Connecticut
Medicare’s home health benefit covers specific medical services delivered at home, such as therapy or care provided by a visiting nurse or home health aide. Depending on your situation, this coverage may fall under either Part A (hospital insurance) or Part B (medical insurance). Typically, home care is covered by Medicare Part B, while Part A may apply if you have recently been discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF). To be eligible for Medicare coverage of home health care, you must meet both of the following criteria:
- Homebound, i.e., unable to leave your home without assistance, or advised by your doctor to remain indoors at home
- In need of intermittent skilled nursing or therapy services on a regular and finite basis
Intermittent care sessions can range from once every two months up to once a day. The standard period for this care is three weeks, which may be extended if necessary for further care or for individuals with chronic conditions. Skilled care, according to Medicare, must be performed by or under the supervision of a skilled professional, such as a nurse or therapist (for physical, speech, and occupational therapy).
To receive home care through Medicare, it must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA). The application process for home health care through Medicare starts with a visit from an HHA representative in order to assess your needs and create a personalized care plan. You can initiate this by requesting a list of HHAs from your doctor and contacting them directly. If you are hospitalized, you can ask the discharge planner or a hospital social worker to connect with the HHA.
Applicants for home health care through Medicare must also have a face-to-face meeting with a doctor within 90 days before or 30 days after beginning home health care. The doctor must approve a health plan for the patient and sign a home health certification to confirm that the patient is housebound and in need of intermittent medical care.
What Type Of Home Care Is Not Covered By Medicare In Connecticut?
Medicare’s home health benefit does not include all types of home care service. Services NOT covered by Medicare include:
- 24-hour everyday care
- Prescription medications
- Meals delivery or preparation
- Homemaking services, e.g., housekeeping, or laundry
For more details on what is and is not covered by Medicare, click here. Generally, Medicare only helps with home care that is strictly medically necessary and requires medical professionals to perform.
Should I Choose A Home Care Agency In Connecticut?
You or your loved one may not meet the criteria for or necessarily require the type of home care covered by Medicare, especially if skilled nursing or therapy services are not needed. You might be seeking more frequent care visits, 24-hour care, assistance with transportation, or a program that includes meal preparation and housework.
In such cases, contacting a home care agency like Nova Home Care Connecticut may be a better fit. This allows you to have more control over the provided care services and to arrange a care plan and schedule that best suits your needs.
Nova Home Care delivers professional in-home care services throughout the state of Connecticut. Our services are covered by HUSKY Health (Connecticut’s version of Medicaid), and we can assist you in creating a personalized care plan for yourself or your loved one, which also integrates any government support you may be eligible for.For additional information on how we can help you or a family member lead a fulfilling and comfortable life at home, please contact us online or call us at 317-537-2490.