Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
S
swinchester Asked December 2012

Does Medicare cover non-skilled workers?

My mother has been in the rehab/rest home for about 9 months. Her 100 days were up in November, so they are paying out of pocket. I've decided to lower my hours at work and move in with them. She has Anthem for her primary then Medicare. I'm new to this, so I'm learning a whole lot daily. Anthem will only cover for skilled workers but not non-skilled workers. I need both. killed for the rehab and one for a nurse to check her wounds. I also need non-skilled to stay with her while I'm at work for 4 hours per day. I talked to a person from Medicare and they say that they do cover up to so many hours per day/week etc. Then talked to all the non-skilled companies and they say Medicare does not cover. So I call Medicare and another person says no they don't cover. Which is it/. I'm really confused. I feel like I go forward 1 step and go back 2 steps. Can someone help me that is sure of what the true facts are.

cernahome12 Jan 2013
Home health agencies deliver a variety of skilled services outlined by the chart below. The plan of care always includes as well custodial services to help the care-recipient remain in the home. These would include an aide for an hour or two a day to help with bathing, dressing and transferring. If there is time remaining other personal services may be offered as well. These personal services are also covered by Medicare.

Recently Medicare has redefined what it means by "homebound" to allow recipients to leave the home on a limited basis. Beginning in 2003 and ending three years later, Medicare is testing, with a very small test group, a program where selected home health agencies can provide adult day health care instead of home health services. If successful the program will offer a new dimension in Medicare home care. In addition, under the new definition, Medicare will also allow and pay for home visits from doctors who specialize in homebound elderly patients. Limited office visits are also allowed under the new definition.

JessieBelle Dec 2012
Mmmm... well, maybe the workers don't need rehab. The patients do. :)

ADVERTISEMENT


JessieBelle Dec 2012
We've had only skilled workers that were covered by Medicare for a limited time. The goal of Medicare is to rehabilitate the workers through PT and OT. They will also cover a nurse and someone to give baths during this time. In Alabama, it is the only services that qualify. I heard that other states have a broader range of services and times that are covered. At-home services that are paid by Medicare are very limited here in Alabama.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter