financial
What Medicare Actually Covers for Home Care
The plain-English rules for what Medicare Part A, B, and home health cover — and what it does not.
6 min readReviewed 9/4/2026
Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay. It does not cover round-the-clock home help.
Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing after a qualifying hospital stay. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment. Home health under Part A/B covers intermittent skilled nursing and therapy — not personal care alone. Hospice is covered when a doctor certifies six months or less.
Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance are how most families pay for daily home help.
Checklist
- Ask the discharge planner exactly what Medicare will cover
- Get every recommendation in writing
- Call SHINE for a free plan review
- Check if a Medicaid waiver applies
- Ask about VA benefits if a veteran
Sources
Medicare.gov · Florida SHINE
General information — not medical, legal, or clinical advice. In an emergency call 911.