Home health
Medicare Home Health Care: Who Qualifies and What It Costs
Last reviewed July 28, 2026
Original Medicare covers part-time skilled nursing and therapy in your home — at no cost to you — when a doctor certifies that you are homebound and need that skilled care, and a Medicare-certified agency provides it. It does not cover 24-hour care or help with only bathing and dressing.
Key points
- Covered home health services cost $0 under Original Medicare — there is no deductible or copay for the home health benefit itself.
- You must be homebound and need part-time skilled nursing or therapy, certified by a doctor.
- Care must come from a Medicare-certified home health agency.
- Help with only bathing, dressing, or housekeeping is not covered — look at California's IHSS program instead.
Who qualifies for Medicare home health care?
To get home health care through Original Medicare, all of the following must be true. A doctor (or certain other providers) has to certify that you meet them, and review your plan of care regularly.
The most misunderstood rule is "homebound." It does not mean bedbound. It means leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort — you may need help or equipment — and you generally stay home because of your condition. You can still leave for medical care, religious services, adult day care, or the occasional short outing and remain homebound.
- You are under the care of a doctor, with a plan of care that is reviewed regularly.
- A doctor certifies that you need part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, or physical, speech, or continued occupational therapy.
- You are homebound, as certified by a doctor.
- You had a face-to-face visit with a doctor or allowed provider related to the reason you need home care.
- The care is provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
What does Medicare home health cover?
When you qualify, Medicare covers the skilled services you need on a part-time or intermittent basis, plus some support services:
- Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care.
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.
- Medical social services to help with the social and emotional side of your recovery.
- A part-time home health aide for personal care — but only while you are also receiving skilled nursing or therapy.
- Certain medical supplies, and durable medical equipment such as a walker or hospital bed (equipment is covered at 80%).
How much does it cost?
For covered home health services, you pay $0. There is no deductible and no coinsurance for the home health benefit under Original Medicare.
The one exception is durable medical equipment (like a wheelchair or oxygen equipment). Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Before care begins, the agency must tell you in writing if anything won't be covered and what it may cost.
What Medicare home health does not cover
Medicare home health is meant for skilled, part-time care during recovery — not around-the-clock or ongoing custodial help. It does not cover:
- 24-hour-a-day care at home.
- Meals delivered to your home.
- Homemaker services such as shopping and cleaning, when that is the only care you need.
- Personal care — help with bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom — when that is the only care you need.
How to start home health care
Start with your doctor. If you are leaving a hospital or rehab facility, the discharge planner or social worker can arrange home health before you go home. Otherwise, ask your doctor whether home health is right for you.
Once ordered, a Medicare-certified agency contacts you to schedule a first visit. A nurse or therapist assesses your needs at home, confirms you are homebound, and builds your plan of care. Your eligibility is reviewed at least every 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be bedbound to be "homebound"?
No. Homebound means leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort, and you normally stay home because of your condition. You can still leave for medical appointments, religious services, adult day care, or occasional short outings and still qualify.
How much does Medicare home health cost?
Covered home health services cost $0 — no deductible or copay. The only cost is durable medical equipment, where Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% after the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare pay for a home health aide?
Yes, part-time, but only while you are also receiving skilled nursing or therapy. Medicare does not cover an aide for personal care if that is the only help you need.
What if I only need help with bathing and dressing?
Personal care alone is not covered by Medicare home health. In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program may pay for that kind of help — that is a separate program with its own rules.
How long can I receive Medicare home health?
As long as you keep meeting the requirements. Your doctor must recertify your eligibility at least every 60 days.
Sources
Related guides
This guide is educational and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.