Quick answer
Home health care is skilled medical care at home: nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and some aide help, ordered by a doctor and given by a licensed home health agency. Medicare pays for covered home health services in full when your parent is homebound and needs part-time skilled care. It's different from in-home care, which is non-medical help paid privately. (800) 614-8388 if you need help arranging care at home.
What home health care includes
- Skilled nursing: wound care, injections, IV therapy, monitoring a serious illness, teaching about medications.
- Physical therapy: strength, balance and walking after a fall or surgery.
- Occupational therapy: relearning daily tasks like dressing and bathing.
- Speech-language therapy: after a stroke, or for swallowing problems.
- Home health aide help with bathing and dressing, alongside skilled care.
- Medical social services.
Who it's for
Home health care is usually short-term, for recovery after a hospital stay, surgery or a change in a chronic condition. Visits are scheduled, not round-the-clock. If your parent needs ongoing help with daily life, add in-home care, which had a 2025 median of $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025).
Who pays
Medicare pays for covered home health services when the rules are met: your parent is homebound, needs part-time or intermittent skilled care, and a doctor has seen them and ordered care from a Medicare-certified agency. Medicare Advantage plans also cover home health, sometimes with their own rules. Medicaid and private insurance may cover it too. Details: does Medicare pay for home health care.
Choosing a home health agency
- Ask the doctor or hospital discharge planner for a referral, and know that you can choose the agency.
- Compare agencies on Medicare's Care Compare, which shows quality ratings and patient survey results.
- Ask how soon they can start and how often visits will be.
- Ask who to call after hours.
Need care at home after a hospital stay?
We'll help you understand the options and find private help for the hours home health doesn't cover. Free.
Questions families ask
What is the difference between home care and home health care?
Home health is skilled, doctor-ordered medical care, often covered by Medicare. Home care is non-medical help with daily life, usually private pay.
Does Medicare pay for home health care?
Yes, in full for covered services, when your parent is homebound and needs part-time skilled care under a doctor's plan.
How long does home health care last?
As long as your parent qualifies and the doctor keeps the plan current. Many episodes are short, during recovery.
Can home health care come to assisted living?
Yes, when the rules are met.