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That Accept Medicare
Search Medicare-certified home health agencies near you. Compare skilled nursing, therapy services, and in-home care options — all in one place.
What is Home Health Care?
Home health care is skilled medical care provided in your home by licensed healthcare professionals — nurses, therapists, and social workers. It's ordered by your doctor when you need medical treatment after a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or injury.
Medicare covers home health care with no copayment when you meet eligibility criteria: you must be homebound, your doctor must certify the need, and you must use a Medicare-certified agency.
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Am I Eligible for Medicare Home Health Benefits?
Medicare covers home health care when you meet all four criteria:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover home health care with no copay?
Yes — Medicare Part A or Part B covers home health care with no copayment and no deductible, as long as you meet eligibility requirements and use a Medicare-certified agency. You pay 20% only for durable medical equipment (DME) that may be ordered alongside your care.
How is home health care different from a nursing home?
Home health care is delivered in your own home, providing skilled medical services without requiring you to leave. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24-hour care in a facility. Home health is appropriate for patients who are medically stable and able to be cared for at home with professional support.
How do I get a referral for home health care?
Talk to your doctor or hospital discharge planner. They will evaluate your eligibility, order the services you need, and can recommend Medicare-certified agencies in your area. You have the right to choose your own home health agency.
What should I ask a home health agency before I start?
Ask if they are Medicare-certified, what services they provide, how quickly they can start, how they handle after-hours emergencies, whether they conduct background checks on staff, what languages they support, and how they coordinate with your doctor. Also check their CMS Home Health Compare star rating.
How long can I receive Medicare home health benefits?
There is no set limit on how long you can receive Medicare home health care. Medicare covers care as long as you continue to meet eligibility criteria — meaning you remain homebound, your doctor certifies the ongoing need, and you still require skilled care. Coverage is approved in 60-day episodes, which can be renewed indefinitely as long as your condition requires it.
Can I choose my own home health agency?
Yes. Under Medicare, you have the right to choose any Medicare-certified home health agency willing to accept you. Your doctor, hospital, or discharge planner may suggest agencies, but you are not required to use their recommendation. Use our provider directory to compare agencies in your area and make your own informed choice.
Does Medicare cover home health care for Medicare Advantage members?
Yes, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans must cover the same home health services as Original Medicare. However, MA plans may restrict you to their provider network. Before starting care, confirm that the agency you choose is in your MA plan's network — call the agency directly or your plan's member services line. If your plan doesn't cover an agency, ask about out-of-network options or consider an appeal.
What Medicare Does Not Cover
Medicare home health benefits are specifically for skilled, medically necessary care. Several common services are not covered — even if they seem related to home health:
💡 Common Misconception: Many people confuse "home health care" (skilled, Medicare-covered) with "home care" (custodial, generally not Medicare-covered). If your parent or loved one needs ongoing assistance with daily activities after an illness, ask the discharge planner about both home health AND non-medical home care options. A medical social worker can connect you with community resources.
How to Get Started with Medicare Home Health
Your primary care physician, specialist, or hospital discharge planner must determine that you need home health services and certify that you are homebound. Be specific about your symptoms, limitations, and what activities you struggle with. This conversation triggers the official Medicare eligibility assessment.
Your doctor creates a written plan of care specifying what services you need, how often, and for how long. This plan must be reviewed and updated every 60 days. Medicare requires a face-to-face encounter with your doctor within 90 days before or 30 days after home health begins.
You have the right to choose any Medicare-certified agency in your area. Consider star ratings (from CMS Care Compare), services offered, languages spoken, and how quickly they can start. Ask about their emergency coverage and staff background checks. Search our provider directory →
The agency will conduct an initial assessment visit within 48 hours. Work closely with your care team, keep a log of visits and services received, and communicate any changes in your condition promptly. Your care plan can be updated if your needs change.
Find a Medicare-Certified Agency Near You
Browse our directory of home health agencies by state and city. All agencies are listed from NPPES registry data (taxonomy code 251E00000X) with CMS quality ratings where available.
Home Health Guides
Everything you need to know about Medicare home health care — written clearly for patients and families.
Many patients receiving home health services also need durable medical equipment (DME). Find Medicare-approved DME suppliers near you for wheelchairs, CPAP devices, oxygen equipment, and more.
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