Will Medicare Pay for Home Care?
When a loved one needs extra support at home, one of the first questions families ask is: “Will Medicare pay for home care?” It’s an important question – especially as care needs increase and families begin to balance emotional decisions with financial realities.
The answer is not always straightforward, so let’s walk through what Medicare does (and doesn’t) cover, and what other options may be available to help your family.
What Medicare Covers
Medicare does cover home health care in certain situations, but it does not cover non-medical home care services. This distinction is important because while both happen in the home, they involve very different types of support.
Medicare is primarily designed to cover medical care, not long-term personal or custodial care. However, there are certain situations where Medicare may help with home-based services.
| Medicare Will Cover If… | What That Means for Your Loved One |
|---|---|
| A doctor certifies care is medically necessary | The care plan must come directly from a physician’s order. |
| Your loved one is homebound | Leaving home requires significant effort or assistance. |
| Care is provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency | Not all agencies qualify—must be approved by Medicare. |
| Skilled services are required (nursing or therapy) | Includes wound care, injections, monitoring, or therapy services. |
| Personal care is needed alongside skilled care | A home health aide can help with bathing, dressing, or grooming—but only as part of the larger medical plan. |
In these cases, Medicare may cover:
- Part-time skilled nursing care Physical, speech, or occupational therapy
- Medical social services
- Certain medical supplies and equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)
- Limited personal care from a home health aide (but only when skilled care is also being provided)
Learn more on the Medicare.gov Home Health page.
Home Care vs. Home Health Care: Clearing Up the Confusion
One reason families get confused about whether Medicare will pay for care is that the terms “home care” and “home health care” sound almost the same. But in reality, they mean very different things.
| Home Care (Non-Medical Support) | Home Health Care (Medical Support) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Daily living assistance & companionship | Skilled medical services at home ordered by a doctor |
| Typical Services | Bathing, grooming, dressing, meal prep, light housekeeping, transportation and errands, companionship and social engagement | Skilled nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy, wound care, injections, medical social services, home health aide (limited personal care, but only if skilled care is also required) |
| Who Provides Care | Caregivers or personal care aides | Nurses, licensed therapists, medical social workers |
| Agency Type | Home care agencies (non-medical) | Medicare-certified home health agencies |
| Medicare Coverage | ❌ Not covered | ✅ May be covered if eligibility is met |
What Families Need to Know
- If your loved one only needs help with daily tasks like bathing, meal prep, or companionship, Medicare will not pay for it. Families often choose private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid waiver programs for this type of support.
- If your loved one needs skilled medical care at home, ordered by a doctor, then Medicare may help cover home health services for a limited time. In this case, a home health aide may also be included for basic personal care. This distinction is key when you’re making plans for your loved one. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect—and prevents surprises when it comes to costs.
What Medicare Does Not Cover
This is where many families are surprised. Medicare does not cover 24-hour home care, meal delivery, homemaker services, or personal care (like bathing, dressing, or help with daily activities) if that’s the only care your loved one needs.
That means if your parent or spouse simply needs help around the house or assistance with daily routines – but does not require skilled medical services – Medicare will not pay for ongoing in-home care.
Other Ways to Pay for Home Care
Because Medicare coverage is limited, many families turn to other options to pay for the type of consistent, compassionate care that keeps their loved ones safe and comfortable at home.
Medicaid Programs
In Georgia, programs like the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and the SOURCE waiver can help cover in-home care for those who qualify. These programs are income- and need-based, so eligibility is determined by both medical and financial criteria.
➡️ Learn more about Georgia’s Medicaid waiver programs.
Private Pay (Out-of-Pocket)
Many families choose to self-pay for in-home caregivers, giving them flexibility in the amount and type of care provided. At Elite Home Care, we work with families in Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee, and surrounding counties to create a care plan that fits their budget and needs (care plans starting at $26/hour).
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one has long-term care insurance, it may cover home care services that Medicare will not. Policies vary widely, so it’s best to review your plan carefully.
Veterans Benefits
For those who served in the military, the Aid & Attendance benefit can sometimes help cover the cost of in-home care.
How Elite Home Care Can Help
Navigating Medicare and other payment options can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Elite Home Care, we’ve been helping Atlanta families for over 18 years—providing:
- Personal Care (bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance)
- Companionship (meal prep, errands, meaningful activities)
- Specialized Support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Respite Care so family caregivers can rest and recharge
- 24-Hour Care for those needing round-the-clock support
Our team can also guide you through the process of understanding what costs Medicare will cover, what falls under Medicaid, and when private pay may be the best option.
Next Steps for Families
If you’re asking, “Will Medicare pay for home care?” the truth is: it depends on the type of care your loved one needs. Medicare may help with skilled, short-term care, but for ongoing daily support, families often need to look beyond Medicare. Call Elite Home Care today at 678-899-0363 to speak with our care team. We’ll help you understand your options and create a plan that gives your loved one the support they need—while giving you peace of mind.
Helpful Resources
- Medicare.gov: Home Health Services
- Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs
- AARP: Paying for Home Care