Medicaid versus medicare in Missouri

Medicare coverage for home health care is determined by medical necessity, not a set number of hours per day. Services are approved based on the specific care plan established by your physician. Your doctor must certify that you require skilled nursing or therapy at home.

Medicare generally does not cover the cost of a home assistant for non-medical tasks. Services such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation are typically considered custodial care. Medicare's benefits are focused on skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapies.

Medicare covers medically necessary home health care services when ordered by a physician. This includes skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. These services are designed to help you recover or manage a health condition at home.

Medicare pays for medically necessary skilled care provided by certified home health agencies. It does not pay for ongoing non-medical or custodial care. The specific amount Medicare contributes is based on the physician-ordered skilled services required for your treatment.

Medicare coverage for home health care is not limited by a specific time frame but by ongoing medical need. Your physician must periodically recertify the need for these services. Care continues as long as it is deemed medically essential for your recovery or health management.

Medicare pays for medically necessary home health care services in Missouri, including skilled nursing and therapies. These services are covered when prescribed by a doctor to aid in recovery. Non-medical assistance for daily living activities is not typically covered.