Medicare Coverage for Home Health Care: What's Included in 2026
Quick Answer
Yes. Medicare covers part-time skilled home health care — including skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aide services — for homebound beneficiaries, usually at no cost for the covered services. A doctor must certify the need.
Home health care is one of the few benefits Medicare covers at essentially no cost — but only when specific conditions are met. Understanding "homebound" and "skilled need" is the key to qualifying.
What Original Medicare Covers for Home Health Care
Part AHospital Coverage
- Intermittent skilled nursing care for homebound beneficiaries
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy at home
- Part-time home health aide services and medical social services
Part BMedical Coverage
- The same home health services when not preceded by a hospital stay
- Covered durable medical equipment used at home (80% covered)
What Medicare Advantage May Add
Benefits vary by plan, county, and year. The items below are common but not guaranteed — always confirm in the plan’s Summary of Benefits.
- Expanded in-home support and personal-care benefits on some plans
- Caregiver support and respite benefits (varies by plan)
- Meal delivery after a hospital stay on certain plans
What Is NOT Covered
- 24-hour-a-day care at home
- Homemaker services such as shopping or cleaning when that is the only care needed
- Custodial or personal care when it is the only care you need
- Meals delivered to the home under Original Medicare
What You Can Expect to Pay
Covered home health services
$0 for skilled nursing, therapy, and aide services that qualify
Durable medical equipment
20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible
In Your State
In Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, some Medicare Advantage plans add in-home support, personal-care, and meal benefits that go beyond Original Medicare’s skilled home health coverage. These extras vary by plan and county.
Tips to Maximize Your Home Health Care Coverage
- 1You must be homebound and need skilled care to qualify for the home health benefit.
- 2Covered home health services are usually $0 — confirm the agency is Medicare-certified.
- 3Original Medicare does not cover 24-hour care or homemaker-only services.
- 4Medicare Advantage may add personal-care or meal benefits — compare plans.
- 5Durable medical equipment is covered at 80%, so expect 20% coinsurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover home health care?
Yes. Medicare covers part-time skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aide services for homebound beneficiaries under a doctor-established plan of care, usually at no cost for the covered services.
Does Medicare pay for a home health aide?
Yes, but only part-time and only when you also need skilled care such as nursing or therapy. Medicare does not pay for an aide if personal care is the only help you need.
Does Medicare cover 24-hour home care?
No. Medicare does not cover round-the-clock home care or full-time custodial care. It covers intermittent, part-time skilled services.
Does Medicare cover home health after surgery?
Often yes. If you are homebound and your doctor certifies a need for skilled care, Medicare covers home health services during your recovery.
Find a Plan That Covers Your Home Health Care Care
Get a free, personalized review of Medicare plans available in your ZIP code from a licensed advisor.
Get My Free Plan ReviewExplore More Medicare Coverage Topics
See all conditions and services Medicare coversThis information is for educational purposes. Consult your doctor for medical advice and a licensed Medicare advisor for plan coverage questions. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually; dollar amounts are shown with the year they apply and update each year.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).