Often times there is a lot of confusion about what Medicare will and will not cover. My job as Medicare Coverage Specialist is to advise my clients so there are no surprises down the road.
Today, I would like to go over what Medicare will not cover.
Assisted Living Facilities/Nursing Homes
Medicare will not pay for care at this type of facility if its for long term or permanent care.
This type of care is very expensive. You’re looking at $5,000 to $7,000 per month.
Medicare will pay for short term care at this type of facility for either physical or occupational therapy for the first 20 days.
Home Health
Most older people would like to stay in their homes for as long as possible. This may require help in
making meals, keeping their home clean and doing laundry to name a few. These type of services are not covered under Medicare.
If your friends, family and neighbors can help out, you can avoid the cost.
Home Health Aides
Home Health Aides will help with “activities of daily living”. This includes bathing, dressing,grooming and medication reminders to name a few. This is not covered under Medicare.
If your parent has mobility or cognitive impairments, Home Health may be the last resort before going into a nursing home facility.
However, if you are home bound your doctor may order skilled nursing or physical therapy at home, Medicare will cover it. Just be aware that there are limits to the number of hours of assistance per day. Once the skilled nursing or physical therapy is completed, the Home Health Aide will be leaving.
Call me and we can go over your options for these scenarios.