Life Care operates more than 200 skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement living communities, home care services, and Alzheimer's centers.
Services - Home Care
Medicare & Payment
Home care services are covered under Medicare Part A for those who meet the eligibility requirements as well as certain criteria defined by Medicare. When patients are not sure if they meet Medicare qualifications, Life Care at Home agencies will do a complimentary evaluation to determine whether or not they are eligible. For those who do not qualify for Medicare coverage, other payment options may include Medicaid, private insurance, private pay and HMOs.
Medicare Part A coverage requirements
To be eligible for home care benefits under Medicare Part A, a patient must:
- Require at least one of these three services: skilled/intermittent nursing care, physical therapy or speech therapy
- Have a doctor's order for home care services
- Be homebound and require occasional visits by a home care professional who performs a specific task such as giving an injection, changing a wound dressing, or providing instruction on a disease process or medication.
Occupational therapy, medical social worker services, and/or home health aide services are only covered by Medicare if the physician recommends the service along with skilled/intermittent care, physical therapy or speech therapy.
Medicaid coverage
Medicaid, state health insurance programs may pay the cost of home care services; however, coverage guidelines vary from state to state. To find out which services may be covered in your area, contact your state's medical assistance office.
Private insurance
Private insurance typically covers the cost of skilled/intermediate care, physical therapy and speech therapy. Some insurance companies provide supplemental policies to cover additional home care services such as occupational therapy and sitter services.
Private pay
For those who are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid benefits and are not covered by private insurance, expenses for home care services can be paid by the individual or his or her family.
HMOs
Individuals enrolled in an HMO can expect the cost of skilled/intermittent nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy to be covered. However the policies regarding coverage for other home care services varies depending on the HMO. For more specific information about payment of home care services, contact your HMO.