Home › Medicare & Eligibility

Medicare and home health: who qualifies?

A plain-language overview of the general rules. Every situation is different, so talk to your doctor about your care.

Please note: We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. We connect you with licensed home health providers. This page is general information, not a coverage decision. Legal review needed

The general rules

Medicare may cover home health care if:

You are homebound

Leaving home is not recommended because of your condition, or you need help to leave (like a cane, walker, wheelchair, special transportation, or another person). Leaving home also takes a lot of effort. You can still leave for medical care or short trips like religious services.

A doctor or other provider orders your care

Before care starts, a doctor or other provider (like a nurse practitioner) must see you in person, confirm you need home health care, and order it.

You need part-time or intermittent skilled care

Skilled care means services like nursing, physical therapy, or speech therapy. If you need care all day, every day, home health is usually not the right fit.

A Medicare-certified agency provides the care

Your home health care must come from a home health agency that is certified by Medicare.

What it may cost

Have a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you get Medicare through a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or another Medicare health plan, check with your plan about your home health benefits.

Talk to your doctor. Your doctor or other provider decides whether home health care is right for you and orders it.

Source: Medicare.gov, “Home health services,” medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services, reviewed Nov 11, 2026. Rules can change. Recheck this page before launch and at least once a year. Legal review needed

Have questions about getting care at home?

A care coordinator can talk through your situation. Free, with no obligation.

Placeholder