Medicare and Home Care

QMy father’s health is not good, and he needs someone to come to his home to help him out a few hours each week. Does Medicare cover home care? --A.B., Leesburg, Va.

See Also: 10 Things You Must Know About Medicare

Medicare has very strict criteria for covering home care. For example, you can get coverage for custodial care (such as help with bathing or eating) only if you also have a need for skilled nursing care or for physical, occupational or speech therapy. You must be considered “homebound,” and your doctor must create a plan of care. See Medicareinteractive.org for more information.

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