Patients experiencing injury, surgery, illness, or self-management of chronic disease requiring recovery and recuperation may be eligible for home health care through their Medicare benefit.
To meet Medicare guidelines, each patient must:
- Meet the definition of ‘homebound (the normal inability to leave home). Must be a ‘taxing and considerable effort’ by the patient and requires the assistance of others or a supportive device. Absences from home for non-medical reasons must be infrequent and for a short duration.
- Have a specific care need requiring part-time or intermittent care.
- Require the care of a nurse or therapist.
- Be under the care of a physician licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota
Services may be indicated if the clients social, emotional or economic situation impacts their ability to recover or to reach maximum rehab potential. Medical social services can only be provided when skilled nursing or therapy are provided. The need must be at a level requiring the intervention of a trained social worker for:
- Assessment of social and emotional factors
- Counseling for long-range planning and decision making
- Education about or assistance in accessing community resources
- Short term counseling
Disclaimer:
Please note that the level of services available may vary due to what your insurance provider allows.