Care Under Medicare		 Making Home Health Work for You!


To qualify for Medicare coverage, the patient must meet the following criteria:

  • The patient must be 65 years old or older

  • The patient currently receives Social Security benefits or is enrolled in the railroad retirement system

  • The patient is younger than 65-years-old and has received Social Security disability benefits for at least two years (24 months)

  • The patient suffers from permanent kidney failure

    If the patient is 65 or older and still working, will Medicare pay for home health service?

    Yes. A patient can use Medicare. However, if a patient is covered by an employer's insurance plan, the employer's health insurance could be used in conjunction with Medicare.

    Are home visits covered under Medicare?

    Each of the following conditions must be met:

  • The patient's physician has requested home healthcare and established a plan of care.

  • The agency is Medicare-certified.

  • The patient cannot leave home without assistance.

  • The patient requires nursing care, physical therapy or speech therapy that is reasonable and necessary throughout the patient's episode of care.

    Do patients have to pay The Aspen Group for visits?

    No. The Aspen Group will bill Medicare directly. Medicare has two parts:

  • PART A — hospital insurance that is part of the patient's Social Security benefit

  • PART B — medical insurance the patient pays for monthly

    Do patients decide whether to use Part A or Part B of Medicare?

    No. Part A and Part B will pay for covered home health-care services. The Aspen Group will inform the patients of their coverage.

    Does Medicare cover outpatient physical therapy?

    Yes, if the physician refers the patient and the patient qualifies for outpatient therapy.

    Does Medicare pay for hospice services?

    Yes, if the patient qualifies for hospice services. For more information on hospice services, link to Hospice.

    Are services for mental illness covered?

    Yes, if the patient qualifies for home healthcare under Medicare.

    Additional questions regarding coverage should be directed to a  Home Health nurse or a local Aspen Group Home Health office. Additionally, local Social Security offices may provide further information.

    		•

    Copyright 2006, All rights reserved, The Aspen Group home  |  about us  |  contact us