You’re doing everything you can to help your elderly parents, but there are moments when it’s not enough. Mom or Dad may require experienced therapists and nurses following a hospitalization, or merely to maintain or slow the loss of their health.
Many questions arise because of this new approach to caring for Mom and Dad. How will you be able to pay for these experts? What about Medicare, for example? Who is eligible for Medicare Home Health Care? Checkout Home healthcare agency Chicago for more information.
“Medicare pays for skilled services in the home, such as nursing and therapy, when the patient is home-bound and has a skilled need,” explains the administrator of a Certified Home Health Agency in Chicago.
The following five requirements must be completed to qualify for benefits:
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You’re under the care of a doctor, and you’re receiving services as part of a treatment plan that a doctor has prepared and reviewed on a regular basis.
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You require one or more of the following, which a doctor certifies:
- Physical therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Intermittent skilled nursing care (other than blood drawing)
- Occupational therapy should be continued.
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Medicare has approved the home health agency that will be caring for you.
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You’re housebound and have a doctor’s certificate to prove it. Because of an illness or injury, you are unable to leave your home without assistance (such as a cane, wheelchair, walker, crutches, special transportation, or assistance from another person), or leaving your home is not recommended due to your condition.
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A doctor, or another health care provider who works with a doctor, must certify that they had a face-to-face interaction with you within the required time periods and that the encounter was connected to the reason you need home health care as part of your certification of eligibility.
“As long as the patient is home-bound, Medicare covers 100 percent of services when there is a skilled health-care requirement following an acute episode such as hospitalization or a change in health status.” “When home care services are provided because to a skilled need under Medicare, income is not a concern.”
Medicare benefits are accepted by all Medicare-certified home health agencies (CHHAs). According to the MLN leaflet “Choosing a Home Health Agency,” home health agencies are certified to ensure that they meet specific federal health and safety regulations. What qualifies a patient for home health care?
“Your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or other referring agency should respect your decision. ” You have a voice in whatever agency you employ. Your options will be provided by agency availability or insurance coverage”. “If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO or PPO) or another Medicare health plan. It may be necessary for you to receive home health services from agencies with which they have a contract.”
Medicare also covers ongoing medical treatment, but at a lower level. It merely covers a portion of the expenses. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover home assistants that assist with housework, bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. Chicago IL HHC can assist you in determining your qualification for home health care.
You may also find solace in the fact that your parents have rights when it comes to their health care. It includes treating their property with respect. Letting know about the care they will receive and when their care plan will change. Participating in the planning and treatment of their care. They also have the right to file a complaint about the care they get at home.