Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care? A Quick Guide for Philadelphia Families

Medicare covers skilled, medical home health services, such as:

✔ Skilled Nursing

• Wound care
• Injections
• Medication management

✔ Therapy Services

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

✔ Medical Social Services

✔ Limited Home Health Aide Support

Only when part of a skilled care plan.

✔ Durable Medical Equipment (Part B)

Walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc. (Typically 80% covered)

Medicare will pay for home health care if:

1. A doctor orders the services.
2. The patient is homebound.
3. Skilled, medically necessary care is required.
4. The agency is Medicare-certified.

Medicare does not cover long-term personal care or daily living assistance, including:

• Bathing & dressing
• Meal preparation
• Companionship
• Light housekeeping
• 24/7 care

These are considered non-medical home care services, which must be covered through Medicaid waiver programs, long-term care insurance, or private pay.

Many families receive Medicare-covered skilled care but still need help with daily tasks.

Moravia Health provides:

• Personal care assistance
• Mobility and safety support
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia care
• Light housekeeping
• Respite for family caregivers

We also help families apply for Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Waiver programs—which may allow a family member to get paid to provide care.

Medicare reviews care plans every 60 days. Coverage continues if:

• The care is still medically necessary
• A doctor re-certifies the need
• Care remains intermittent (not full-time)

Does Medicare pay for home health care?
Yes—when the care is skilled, medically necessary, and ordered by a doctor.

But Medicare does not cover long-term personal care.
That’s where Moravia Health steps in with compassionate, professional support to help seniors remain safe and independent at home.