Yes, for people who are homebound and need part-time or intermittent skilled care, ordered by a provider and given by a Medicare-certified agency. You pay nothing for covered home health services (Medicare.gov). Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care, meal delivery or help with daily living when that is the only care needed.
Do the rules appear to be met?
This is a guide to the published rules, not a coverage decision. The doctor and the home health agency decide.
What Medicare covers and what it does not
| Covered, if eligible | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing, such as wound care, injections, monitoring and patient and caregiver education | 24-hour-a-day care at home |
| Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language services | Home meal delivery |
| Medical social services | Homemaker services unrelated to the care plan |
| Part-time home health aide care, only alongside skilled care | Personal care when that is the only care needed |
| Durable medical equipment and medical supplies for use at home |
What "homebound" means
Both of these must be true (Medicare.gov):
- Leaving home is not recommended because of the condition, or the person has trouble leaving without help, such as a cane, wheelchair, special transportation or another person.
- The person normally cannot leave home, and leaving takes a lot of effort.
What you pay
- Nothing for covered home health services (Medicare.gov).
- 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered medical equipment, after the Part B deductible.
- The agency should tell you, verbally and in writing, if Medicare will not pay for something and what you would owe. It should give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice before providing those services.
How to get started
- Ask the doctor, or the hospital's discharge planner, whether home health is appropriate.
- Compare Medicare-certified agencies on Care Compare.
- Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program can give free one-on-one help with Medicare questions at 877-839-2675.
Common questions
Does my parent have to be in bed to be homebound?
No. Homebound means leaving home is not recommended, or takes help or a device, and the person normally cannot leave and doing so takes a lot of effort. People can still leave for medical treatment and for short, infrequent non-medical reasons.
Can someone get home health care while attending adult day care?
Yes. Medicare says you can still get home health care if you attend adult day care.
Who chooses the agency?
Your provider should give you a list of agencies that serve your area, and must tell you if their organization has a financial interest in any agency listed.
Related guides
Home care vs. home health care
Non-medical home care helps with daily life. Home health care is skilled medical care. See the differences and what Medicare will and will not pay.
Does Medicare pay for a nursing home?
Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay, not long-term custodial care. See the 2026 copays and run the day calculator.
Does Medicare cover assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for rent, meals or personal care in assisted living. It still covers medical care for residents. See what is covered and where else to look.
Sources
- Home health services, Medicare.gov. Checked November 8, 2026.
- Services for Older Adults Living at Home, National Institute on Aging (NIH). Checked November 8, 2026.
- Care Compare, Medicare.gov. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Eldercare Locator, U.S. Administration for Community Living. Checked November 7, 2026.
This guide explains general rules. It is not medical, legal or financial advice for your situation. Program rules and amounts change, usually each January (Medicare and Medicaid) and each October (VA). Confirm details with the agency or a qualified professional before you decide. See our editorial policy.