Quick Answer
Yes, Medicare covers home health care services when you are homebound and need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. You must use a Medicare-certified home health agency, and your doctor must order and regularly review your treatment plan. Medicare covers these services at $0 - no deductible and no coinsurance for home health services. However, Medicare does not cover 24-hour home care, homemaker services, meal delivery, or personal care when it is the only care you need.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled nursing care (intermittent) | Covered | Covered at $0 when homebound and medically necessary; up to 21 days |
| Physical, speech, and occupational therapy | Covered | Covered at $0 when homebound and ordered by a doctor |
| Medical social services | Covered | Covered at $0 as part of a home health care plan |
| Home health aide services | Covered | Covered at $0 when you also need skilled care |
| 24-hour home care | Not Covered | Medicare does not cover around-the-clock home care |
| Homemaker services / meal delivery | Not Covered | Not covered by Original Medicare; some MA plans may offer |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part a & Part B - Home Health)
Covers home health care at $0 when you qualifyBoth Medicare Part A and Part B provide coverage for home health care services. When you qualify, Medicare covers home health care at $0 - there is no deductible and no coinsurance for covered home health services. This is one of the few Medicare benefits with no cost-sharing.
To qualify for Medicare home health care, you must meet all of the following requirements: (1) you must be homebound, meaning you cannot leave your home without assistance or it is not recommended due to your health; (2) you must need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy; (3) your doctor must order the care and regularly review your treatment plan; and (4) you must use a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Medicare covers intermittent skilled nursing care - meaning less than 7 days per week and less than 8 hours per day, for up to 21 days. A 3-week extension may be available in exceptional circumstances. Medicare also covers home health aide services (such as help with bathing and dressing) when you also need skilled care. However, Medicare does not cover 24-hour home care, homemaker services, or meal delivery.
What It Covers
- Intermittent skilled nursing care (up to 21 days)
- Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Medical social services
- Home health aide services (when you also need skilled care)
- Medical supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) - 20% coinsurance for DME
What It Doesn't Cover
- 24-hour home care or around-the-clock nursing
- Homemaker services (cooking, cleaning, laundry)
- Meal delivery services
- Personal care when it is the only care you need (no skilled care required)
- Home health care from a non-Medicare-certified agency
Home health services: $0 (no deductible, no coinsurance). DME provided through home health: 20% coinsurance after $283 Part B deductible.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered - some plans offer additional home care benefitsMedicare Advantage plans must cover all home health care services that Original Medicare covers. Some Medicare Advantage plans go further by offering additional home care benefits such as meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and expanded in-home support services.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you must use a Medicare-certified home health agency that is in your plan's network. Verify that the home health agency is in-network before receiving services to avoid unexpected costs.
What It Covers
- All home health care services covered by Original Medicare
- Meal delivery (some plans)
- Transportation to medical appointments (some plans)
- Expanded in-home support services (varies by plan)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Out-of-network home health agencies (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
- 24-hour home care (same exclusion as Original Medicare)
Check Your MA Plan for Extra Home Care Benefits
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental home care benefits including meal delivery, personal care assistance, and transportation. These benefits vary by plan and location. Review your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call your plan to see what's included.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers Part B coinsurance for DME provided through home healthMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. Since Medicare covers home health services at $0, there is typically no cost-sharing for Medigap to cover. However, if you receive durable medical equipment (DME) through your home health care, Medigap covers the 20% Part B coinsurance for that equipment.
Medigap is especially valuable if your home health care needs extend beyond what Medicare covers. While Medigap cannot cover services that Original Medicare excludes (such as 24-hour care), it ensures you pay minimal out-of-pocket costs for all covered services.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for DME provided through home health
- Part B coinsurance for other covered outpatient services
What It Doesn't Cover
- 24-hour home care (not covered by Original Medicare)
- Homemaker services or meal delivery
Home health services are already $0 under Original Medicare. Medigap covers the 20% coinsurance for DME provided through home health.
Home Health Care Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Service | Medicare Coverage | Your Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled nursing care (intermittent) | 100% | $0 | Up to 21 days; must be homebound and need skilled care |
| Physical / speech / occupational therapy | 100% | $0 | Must be ordered by a doctor and medically necessary |
| Home health aide services | 100% | $0 | Only covered when you also need skilled care |
| DME through home health | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | Medigap Plan G covers the 20% coinsurance |
| 24-hour home care | Not covered | $15–$30/hour (full cost) | Medicare does not cover around-the-clock care |
| Homemaker services | Not covered | $15–$25/hour (full cost) | Some MA plans may offer as supplemental benefit |
✦ Special Situations for Home Health Coverage
Home Health Care for Dementia Patients
Medicare covers home health care for dementia patients who are determined to be homebound because of their condition. If your doctor designates you as homebound due to dementia, you can receive up to 35 hours per week of home health services. The same eligibility requirements apply - you must need skilled nursing care or therapy, and you must use a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Dementia patients who are homebound may qualify for up to 35 hours per week of home health services under Medicare.
Hospice Care at Home
Medicare Part A provides hospice care benefits for terminally ill patients, including in-home hospice care. Hospice care at home is different from home health care - it focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than treatment. Medicare covers hospice care at $0 for most services, including nursing care, medications for symptom management, and medical equipment. Your doctor must certify that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.