Senior Care & Aging in Place
Home Health Care: Medicare Coverage, Services & Costs
NHQC Editorial Team · Last updated April 14, 2026
- Under a doctor's plan of care
- Homebound (leaving home is a considerable and taxing effort)
- Needs skilled nursing or therapy on an intermittent basis
- Care from a Medicare-certified agency
Skilled nursing, PT/OT/SLP therapy, home-health aide (only when combined with skilled need), medical social services, and certain durable medical equipment.
Personal care aide rates average $33/hour nationally. Long-term care insurance or Medicaid waivers can offset costs.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. NHQualityCampaign.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Medicare home health last?+
As long as the eligibility criteria are met and the doctor recertifies the plan of care every 60 days.
Can I choose my agency?+
Yes. Use Medicare Care Compare's Home Health Compare tool to check star ratings.
Does home health include 24/7 care?+
No — visits are intermittent. Continuous care requires private aide hours, hospice, or a facility.
What's the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing program?+
A CMS pay-for-performance model that adjusts agency payments based on quality measures.
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