One of the most common questions families ask is whether home health care will cost anything out of pocket. In most cases, the answer is little to nothing.
Medicare: Medicare covers home health care at 100% for eligible patients. To qualify, a patient must be homebound (meaning leaving home requires considerable effort), need skilled care (nursing or therapy), and have a physician's order. There is no copay and no deductible for home health services under Medicare.
Advantage Care Plans: Also cover home health services for qualifying patients. Eligibility and coverage details vary, and our team can help you navigate the specifics.
Private Insurance: Many private insurance plans cover home health care, though coverage levels and requirements vary by plan. We'll work with your insurance company to verify benefits and explain what's covered before services begin.
What if I'm not sure about my coverage? Call us. We'll verify your insurance benefits and walk you through exactly what to expect. No surprises. No confusing paperwork. Just clear answers.
When a family member is discharged from the hospital with a referral for home health care, it can feel like a lot is happening at once. Here's what you need to know to feel prepared.
What does a home health care plan include? Every patient receives an individualized care plan developed by our clinical team in coordination with their physician. The plan outlines which services are needed (nursing, therapy, social work, aide support), how often visits will occur, and what goals the care is working toward. The plan is reviewed and updated regularly as the patient progresses.
Who will come to our home? You'll be assigned a care team based on the services in your plan. At 901 Home Health Care, we prioritize consistency, which means you'll see the same faces visit after visit. Your team might include a registered nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, a medical social worker, or a home health aide, depending on what your physician has ordered.
How long does home health care last? It depends on the patient's condition and progress. Some patients need care for a few weeks after a surgery. Others may need several months of therapy after a stroke or a fall. Your care plan will include a projected timeline, and your team will adjust it as your recovery progresses.
What should we do to prepare? Not much. Our team will assess your home environment during the first visit and recommend any modifications or equipment that might be helpful. The most important thing is to have a safe, accessible space for the patient and to be ready to participate in the care process. Family involvement makes a real difference in recovery outcomes.
Can family members be present during visits? Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Having family involved helps with continuity between visits, and our clinicians will teach you techniques and strategies you can use to support your loved one's recovery every day, not just when we're there.
Step 1: The Referral
Home health care starts with a physician's order. Your doctor, surgeon, or hospital discharge planner will send a referral to 901 Home Health Care, so long as they have seen the patient in the last 90 days. If you don't have a referral yet but think you or a loved one may need home health care, call us and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Step 2: Insurance Verification
Once we receive the referral, we'll verify your insurance coverage and confirm your benefits. We handle this for you so you don't have to navigate it on your own.
Step 3: Care Plan Development
Our clinical team reviews the referral, assesses your needs, and develops an individualized care plan in coordination with your physician. This plan outlines the services you'll receive, how often, and what your care goals are.
Step 4: Scheduling Your First Visit
We'll contact you to schedule your first visit at a time that works for you. Our goal is to get care started quickly, because we know that timely follow-up after a hospital discharge makes a real difference in recovery.
Step 5: Ongoing Care and Communication
From your first visit (within 48-hours of your provider’s order) forward, your care team will provide consistent, coordinated care in your home. We communicate regularly with your physician, update your care plan as you progress, and keep you and your family informed every step of the way.
Q: What does "homebound" mean?
A: To qualify for home health care under Medicare, a patient must be considered homebound. This doesn't mean you can never leave the house. It means that leaving home requires considerable effort due to your condition, and you generally need the help of another person or a medical device to do so. Short, infrequent trips (like a doctor's appointment or a religious service) don't disqualify you.
Q: How quickly can care start after a referral?
A: We work to begin care as quickly as possible, typically within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a referral. In urgent situations, we can often move faster. Speed matters after a hospital discharge, and we don't let red tape slow things down.
Q: Will I see the same people every visit?
A: That's our goal. At 901 Home Health Care, we prioritize continuity because we believe it leads to better care. You'll be assigned a consistent care team, and we do everything we can to keep those assignments stable throughout your care.
Q: How often will someone come to my home?
A: Visit frequency depends on your care plan and the services you're receiving. Some patients may need visits once or twice a week from the start. Your care team will explain the schedule and adjust it as your needs change.
Q: What if I have a problem or concern between visits?
A: Call us. We're available during business hours, and we take after-hours concerns seriously. You'll never be left without a way to reach someone who can help.
Q: Can I receive home health care if I live alone?
A: Yes. Many of our patients live alone. Our care team will assess your situation and build a plan that accounts for your living arrangement, including connecting you with additional resources if needed.
Q: What happens when I no longer need home health care?
A: When your care team and physician determine that you've met your goals or no longer require skilled services, we'll develop a discharge plan with you. This includes making sure you have everything you need to continue your recovery independently, and that your physician has a clear picture of your progress.
I just wanted to share my thoughts on Lisa, a Physical Therapist at 901 Home Health Care. We’ve been so impressed with how much Lisa has helped my mom! Lisa is truly remarkable, so personable, and incredibly motivating for my mom."
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