How to Pay for Home Health Care in Texas

Are you confused about Home Care Services and Home Health Care?  If you are, send me your question, Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com.  Or visit Texas Elder Care for more information.

The cost of home health care varies across the states.  Costs depends on the type of health care professional required.  Home care services can be paid for directly by the patient and his or her family members, or through a variety of public and private sources. Sources for home health care funding include Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Veterans’ Administration, and private insurance.

Medicare is the largest single payer of home care services.  Medicare will pay for home health care if all conditions are met:

-The patient must be homebound and under a doctor’s care;
-The patient must need skilled nursing care, or occupational, physical, or speech therapy, on at least an intermittent basis (that is, regularly but not continuously)
-The services provided must be under a doctor’s supervision and performed as part of a home health care plan written specifically for that patient
-The patient must be eligible for the Medicare program and the services ordered must be “medically reasonable and necessary”
-The home health care agency providing the services must be certified by the Medicare program.

 What Services Are Needed?

Home care services can enhance your health and quality of life by helping you maintain your independence. The type of home care service you may need depends on factors such as your mental and physical health, what kind of support you have from family or friends, and whether you live in your own home or in a facility that provides some types of assistance. Home care services can range from help with chores to professional health care and rehabilitation.

Which is Needed, Home Care or Home Health Care

You may consider home care services if you need assistance caring for yourself:

-You’re less able to care for yourself as you get older
-You have a disability
-You’re recovering from an illness, surgery or a hospital stay
-You’re living with a chronic illness
-You have a terminal illness