Do I pay anything for Medicare home health care?

For most home health services, you pay $0. Medicare covers the full cost of skilled nursing, therapy, and medical social services. You may need to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment like walkers or wheelchairs.

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Medicare Eligibility

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For Medicare enrollees, discharge planners, and family members

Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

Answer these 4 questions to find out if you or your loved one may qualify for Medicare-covered home health care in Florida. This tool explains each requirement and provides your eligibility status.

Coverage Breakdown

Understanding Medicare Home Health Coverage

Typical Home Health Service Mix

Your Cost: Medicare vs Self-Pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Medicare covers home health care if you meet four criteria: you have Medicare Part A or Part B, a doctor certifies you as homebound, you need intermittent skilled care (nursing, PT, OT, or speech therapy), and you use a Medicare-certified agency. There is no copay for covered home health services.

Homebound means that leaving your home requires considerable and taxing effort due to your medical condition. You may still qualify if you leave home for medical appointments, religious services, adult day care, or infrequent short trips. You do not need to be bedridden. You just need to find it very difficult to leave home.

Medicare covers home health care for as long as it is medically necessary. Your doctor must recertify your need every 60 days. There is no limit on the number of 60-day episodes as long as you continue to meet all eligibility requirements and are making progress or need skilled maintenance care.

For most home health services, you pay $0. Medicare covers the full cost of skilled nursing, therapy, medical social services, and home health aide services. You may need to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (DME) like walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds.

About This Tool

This tool applies the four standard Medicare home health eligibility criteria established by CMS: active Medicare enrollment, homebound status, need for skilled care, and care from a Medicare-certified agency. The decision tree mirrors the screening logic used by Medicare Administrative Contractors when processing home health claims.

Data source: CMS.gov Home Health Compare, January 2026 release. Last reviewed: March 2026. This tool provides general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice.

Helpful Articles

Medicare Home Health Eligibility in Florida — Complete eligibility requirements explained
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care? — Coverage details, duration, and limitations
Medicare vs Medicaid Home Health — Side-by-side program comparison
Homebound Criteria for Medicare — What homebound means and how it is determined

Related Tools

Continue your research with these free home health tools:

Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

Understanding Medicare Home Health Coverage

Typical Home Health Service Mix

Your Cost: Medicare vs Self-Pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Articles

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