Last Updated: September 24, 2026
Many families assume Medicare will pay for someone to come to the home and help an aging parent with bathing, dressing and daily care. Medicare does cover home health aides, but only in specific circumstances and only on a part-time basis. It does not cover long-term custodial care, which is the type of help most families need as a loved one becomes frail. Understanding what is and is not covered helps families plan realistically. Always confirm details with Medicare, your plan or the home health agency.
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Part-time skilled nursing — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What Medicare home health coverage includes
Medicare Part A and/or Part B cover home health services, including part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, continued occupational therapy, medical social services, and part-time or intermittent home health aide services. Home health aides help with personal care, such as bathing, dressing and toileting, but Medicare only covers aide services when you are also receiving skilled care.
Eligibility requirements
- You are under the care of a doctor or allowed practitioner and receive services under a plan of care that is reviewed regularly.
- A doctor certifies that you need intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or continued occupational therapy.
- A doctor certifies that you are homebound, meaning leaving home takes considerable and taxing effort and you need help from another person or a device to leave.
- A face-to-face encounter related to the reason for home health care has occurred within the required time frame.
- The home health agency is Medicare-certified.
What is covered vs not covered
| Service | Covered by Medicare? |
|---|---|
| Part-time skilled nursing | Yes, if eligible |
| Physical, speech and occupational therapy | Yes, if eligible |
| Home health aide for personal care alongside skilled care | Yes, part-time |
| Personal care only (no skilled need) | No |
| 24-hour care at home | No |
| Homemaker services (shopping, cleaning, laundry) alone | No |
| Meal delivery | No (some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited meals) |
How much care is “part-time”
Medicare generally defines part-time or intermittent care as combined skilled nursing and home health aide services totalling fewer than 8 hours a day and 28 or fewer hours per week, with up to 35 hours per week possible in some cases on a case-by-case basis. Visits are often a few hours several times a week, not a full-time caregiver.
Costs
If you qualify, you pay nothing for covered home health services. Durable medical equipment provided as part of the plan of care typically has a 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible. The agency should tell you in advance if any service is not covered and give you written notice.
When coverage ends
Home health coverage continues as long as you remain eligible and need skilled care. Once skilled needs end, for example when therapy goals are met, aide services also end, even if the person still needs help with daily activities. Families are often surprised by this. You have the right to appeal if you believe services are ending too soon; the agency must give notice.
Other ways to pay for home care
Medicaid
Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term home care. Home and community-based services waivers can pay for personal care aides, homemaker services and adult day care for eligible people, sometimes with waiting lists.
Medicare Advantage extras
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited in-home support services, such as a set number of hours of help with daily activities per year. These are extras and vary by plan.
Veterans benefits
The VA offers home care programs, and some veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help pay for care.
Long-term care insurance and private pay
Long-term care insurance may cover home care. Private-pay home care aides commonly cost around $25 to $40 per hour depending on region.
FAQ
Will Medicare pay for a caregiver for my elderly parent?
Only part-time home health aide services while your parent is homebound and receiving skilled care such as nursing or therapy. Medicare does not pay for ongoing custodial care or full-time caregivers.
How do I start Medicare home health services?
Talk with your parent’s doctor, who must certify the need for skilled care and homebound status and order services from a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Bottom line
Medicare covers home health aides only on a part-time basis and only when the person is homebound and needs skilled nursing or therapy. For longer-term help with daily living, look to Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, long-term care insurance or private pay, and plan early.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Part-time skilled nursing.
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