Medicare Home Care Coverage: Complete Guide for 2026

Medicare Home Care Coverage: What Seniors Need to Know in 2026

Medicare covers home health care services when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, but only for skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy—not for non-medical personal care like bathing, dressing, or companionship. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS, 2026), Medicare Part A and Part B together provide coverage for qualifying home health services, but understanding the specific requirements and limitations is essential for California seniors and their families.

Understanding Medicare home care coverage can be confusing. Many families assume Medicare pays for around-the-clock personal care assistance, only to discover that Medicare’s definition of “home health care” is much narrower than what most seniors actually need. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what Medicare covers, what it doesn’t, how to qualify, and what alternatives exist for the care Medicare won’t pay for.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or caring for an aging parent in Los Angeles County, this guide will help you navigate Medicare’s complex home care benefits and make informed decisions about your care options.

What is Medicare Home Health Care?

Medicare home health care is a benefit that covers skilled medical services delivered in your home by licensed healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. In the context of senior care, Medicare home health means short-term, medically necessary services ordered by your doctor to treat an illness or injury, help you recover after hospitalization, or manage a chronic condition—not long-term personal care assistance with daily living activities.

The key word is “skilled.” Medicare only pays for services that require the expertise of a licensed medical professional. According to CMS regulations, if a service could reasonably be performed by someone without medical training—such as helping with bathing, preparing meals, or providing companionship—Medicare will not cover it, even if that service is essential to your safety and well-being.

This distinction causes significant confusion among Southern California families. Many seniors need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, eating, toileting, and getting in and out of bed, but these are considered “custodial care” or “personal care” services, which Medicare explicitly excludes from coverage.

24 Hour Home Care’s Approach:
While Medicare covers skilled medical services, our caregivers work alongside Medicare-covered home health providers to ensure clients receive comprehensive care. We coordinate with your home health agency, physician, and family to fill the gaps Medicare leaves—providing the personal care, companionship, and homemaking services that allow you to safely remain at home during and after your Medicare home health episode.

What Does Medicare Cover for Home Care?

Medicare covers specific skilled medical services when provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency and ordered by your doctor. According to CMS (2026), covered services include:

1. Skilled Nursing Care (Part-Time or Intermittent)

What’s covered:

• Wound care and dressing changes
• Injection administration
• Catheter care and management
• Monitoring of serious illness or unstable health conditions
• Patient and caregiver education about medications and care plans

Example scenario:
After discharge from UCLA Medical Center following heart surgery, a registered nurse visits your Los Angeles home twice weekly to monitor your surgical incision, check vital signs, review medications, and watch for complications. This skilled nursing care is covered by Medicare because it requires professional nursing judgment and cannot be safely performed by a family member or non-medical caregiver.

2. Physical Therapy

What’s covered:

• Therapeutic exercises to restore mobility and strength
• Gait training and balance improvement
• Pain management techniques
• Use of assistive devices (walkers, canes, wheelchairs)
• Recovery from orthopedic surgery or stroke

Example scenario:
Following a stroke at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a physical therapist comes to your Westside home three times weekly to work on regaining strength in your affected limbs, improving your ability to walk safely, and training you to use a walker. Medicare covers this therapy because it’s medically necessary for your functional recovery.

3. Occupational Therapy

What’s covered:

• Adaptive techniques for daily activities (dressing, bathing, eating)
• Cognitive rehabilitation for memory and problem-solving
• Home safety evaluations and modifications
• Fine motor skill development
• Energy conservation strategies

Example scenario:
After a fall that resulted in a broken hip, an occupational therapist visits your Pasadena home to teach you safe bathing techniques, recommend grab bar placement, and provide exercises to improve hand strength for cooking and self-care. This therapy qualifies for Medicare coverage when it addresses functional limitations caused by your injury.

4. Speech-Language Pathology

What’s covered:

• Swallowing therapy (dysphagia treatment)
• Speech therapy for communication disorders
• Cognitive-linguistic therapy after stroke or brain injury
• Voice therapy

Example scenario:
Following a stroke that affected your ability to swallow safely, a speech-language pathologist visits your Orange County home to provide swallowing exercises, recommend diet modifications, and teach safe eating techniques to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Medicare covers this essential therapy.

5. Medical Social Services

What’s covered (short-term only):

• Counseling to address health-related social or emotional concerns
• Assistance accessing community resources
• Financial counseling related to healthcare needs
• Support for family caregivers dealing with illness-related stress

Medicare coverage is limited:
Medical social work is only covered when medically necessary and related to your treatment plan. Ongoing counseling or case management is not covered.

6. Home Health Aide Services (When Receiving Skilled Care)

What’s covered (limited):

• Personal care assistance ONLY when you’re also receiving skilled nursing or therapy
• Help with bathing, dressing, using the toilet
• Light housekeeping related to patient care (changing bed linens, cleaning patient’s immediate area)

Critical limitation:
Home health aide services are only covered as a supplement to skilled care, not as standalone services. Once your skilled nursing or therapy ends, Medicare stops covering the aide services, even if you still need help with personal care.

What’s NOT covered by home health aides:

• Meal preparation for the family
• General housekeeping
• Shopping or errands
• Companionship
• 24-hour care or supervision

What Medicare Does NOT Cover

Understanding what Medicare doesn’t cover is just as important as knowing what it does. According to CMS regulations, Medicare will not pay for:

1. Custodial Care or Personal Care Services

Not covered:

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming when NOT receiving skilled care
• Help with eating and drinking
• Toileting assistance as a standalone service
• Transfer assistance (getting in/out of bed, chairs)
• Medication reminders (unless administered by a nurse)

Why it matters:
Most seniors need these services long-term. Medicare only covers them temporarily and only when you’re simultaneously receiving skilled nursing or therapy. Once therapy ends, Medicare coverage for personal care ends too.

2. 24-Hour or Live-In Care

Not covered:

• Around-the-clock supervision
• Overnight care
• Live-in caregivers
• Continuous monitoring

Why it matters:
Seniors with dementia, fall risk, or cognitive impairments often need 24-hour supervision for safety. Medicare will not pay for this level of care, even when medically necessary to prevent injuries or hospitalization.

3. Homemaker Services

Not covered:

• Meal preparation (except when provided by a home health aide during skilled care episode)
• Grocery shopping
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Transportation to appointments
• Errands

4. Companionship Care

Not covered:

• Social interaction and conversation
• Accompanying to activities or events
• Emotional support and reassurance
• Monitoring for safety (unless skilled assessment)

Why it matters:
Social isolation significantly impacts senior health. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA, 2025), loneliness and social isolation increase risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline by 30-50%. Despite this, Medicare does not cover companionship services.

5. Medications and Medical Supplies

Limited coverage:

• Medicare Part A or B does NOT cover prescription medications taken at home (Part D covers prescriptions)
• Most over-the-counter supplies, vitamins, or supplements are not covered
• Durable medical equipment (DME) like walkers and hospital beds are covered under Part B, but personal care items are not

Medicare Part A vs Part B: Which Covers Home Care?

Both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) can cover home health care, but the coverage depends on your specific situation.

Medicare Part A Home Health Coverage

When Part A pays:

• You were recently hospitalized (within 14 days of starting home health)
• Your doctor ordered home health during or immediately after hospitalization
• You meet all other eligibility requirements

Cost to you (2026):

• $0 copay for Medicare-approved home health services
• You’ve already met Part A deductible during hospital stay

Example:
You spent 4 days at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica for pneumonia treatment. Upon discharge, your physician ordered skilled nursing visits and physical therapy at home. Because home health care began within 14 days of discharge, Part A covers these services with no copay.

Medicare Part B Home Health Coverage

When Part B pays:

• You did NOT have a recent hospital stay
• Home health is ordered by your doctor for a medical condition
• You meet all other eligibility requirements

Cost to you (2026):

• $0 copay for Medicare-approved home health services
• 20% coinsurance for durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds)
• You must pay Part B deductible ($240 in 2026) before coverage begins

Example:
You have chronic COPD and your pulmonologist orders skilled nursing visits at your Palm Desert home to monitor your breathing, adjust medications, and teach you pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. Since you haven’t been hospitalized, Part B covers these services.

Which Part is Better?

It doesn’t matter for most people.
Both Part A and Part B provide the same home health coverage with $0 copay for skilled services. The main difference is which deductible you’ve already met. Medicare automatically uses the appropriate part based on your recent hospitalization status.

Key Insight:
Whether Part A or Part B pays, the coverage limitations are identical. Neither part covers long-term personal care, 24-hour supervision, or custodial services.

Eligibility Requirements for Medicare Home Health

To qualify for Medicare home health coverage, you must meet all five requirements simultaneously:

Requirement 1: Doctor’s Orders

You must have:

• A face-to-face visit with your doctor within 90 days before home health starts (or within 30 days after)
• A written care plan signed by your doctor
• Certification from your doctor that home health services are medically necessary

Why it matters:
You cannot self-refer to home health care. Your physician must document medical necessity and create a detailed treatment plan outlining specific skilled services you need.

Requirement 2: Homebound Status

You must be considered “homebound,” meaning:

• Leaving home requires considerable and taxing effort
• You need assistance from another person or assistive device (walker, wheelchair, cane)
• Absences from home are infrequent, short in duration, or for medical treatment

Acceptable reasons to leave home:

• Medical appointments
• Religious services
• Adult day care programs
• Short, infrequent non-medical absences (haircuts, family events)

What disqualifies you:

• Regularly leaving home for work
• Daily social activities or errands
• Driving yourself around town independently

Important clarification:
Homebound does NOT mean bedridden. According to CMS guidance, you can qualify as homebound even if you could physically leave with assistance, as long as doing so requires considerable effort and you don’t leave regularly for non-medical reasons.

Requirement 3: Skilled Service Need

You must need at least one:

• Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care
• Physical therapy
• Speech-language pathology services
• (Continued) occupational therapy (if you first qualified through nursing or other therapy)

Key distinction:
Needing help with personal care alone (bathing, dressing, eating) does NOT qualify you for Medicare home health. You must need a skilled medical service that requires professional expertise.

Requirement 4: Intermittent Care

Medicare covers:

• Part-time care: Less than 8 hours per day and 28 or fewer hours per week for skilled nursing and home health aide services combined
• Intermittent care: Services provided on a periodic basis, not continuously

What this means:
If you need 24-hour supervision or continuous care, Medicare will not cover it. The coverage is designed for short-term, periodic skilled interventions—not long-term hands-on assistance.

Requirement 5: Medicare-Certified Agency

You must receive services from:

• A Medicare-certified home health agency
• In Los Angeles County, hundreds of agencies are certified, but quality varies significantly

How to verify:
Check Medicare’s Home Health Compare tool at Medicare.gov/homehealthcompare to find certified agencies near you and compare quality ratings.

How to Get Medicare Home Health Services

Follow these steps to access Medicare home health coverage:

Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or specialist to discuss your home care needs. Your doctor will:

• Conduct a face-to-face evaluation
• Assess whether you meet medical necessity criteria
• Determine which skilled services you need
• Create a detailed care plan

Bring to your appointment:

• List of current medications
• Recent hospital discharge papers (if applicable)
• Description of specific difficulties you’re experiencing
• Questions about home safety and care needs

Step 2: Get a Written Order and Care Plan

Your doctor must provide:

• Written order for home health services specifying which skilled services you need
• Care plan outlining treatment goals, frequency of visits, and expected duration
• Certification that services are medically necessary and that you meet homebound criteria

Important:
The care plan must be detailed and specific. Vague orders like “needs home health” are insufficient. Your doctor should specify “skilled nursing 2x weekly for wound care and medication management” or “physical therapy 3x weekly for gait training and strengthening.”

Step 3: Choose a Medicare-Certified Home Health Agency

Research agencies using:

• Medicare’s Home Health Compare: Medicare.gov/homehealthcompare
• Google reviews and ratings
• Recommendations from your doctor or hospital discharge planner

Ask potential agencies:

• Are you Medicare-certified? (Verify certification number)
• What is your overall quality star rating?
• Do you serve my area (Los Angeles County, Orange County, etc.)?
• How quickly can you start services?
• Can I request a specific nurse or therapist?
• What happens if my regular caregiver is unavailable?

Step 4: Coordinate with 24 Hour Home Care

Fill the gaps Medicare doesn’t cover:

While the Medicare-certified home health agency provides your skilled nursing and therapy, 24 Hour Home Care provides the personal care, companionship, and homemaking services Medicare won’t pay for:

• Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming
• 24-hour supervision: Around-the-clock care for safety and fall prevention
• Meal preparation: Nutritious meals accommodating dietary restrictions
• Light housekeeping: Maintaining a clean, safe living environment
• Companionship: Social interaction, emotional support, cognitive stimulation
• Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, errands, social activities
• Medication reminders: Ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time

How we coordinate:
We communicate directly with your Medicare home health agency, physician, and family to ensure seamless, comprehensive care. When your Medicare home health episode ends, our caregivers continue providing the ongoing support you need to remain safely at home.

Costs: What You’ll Pay for Medicare Home Care

Medicare-Covered Services: $0 Copay

For approved skilled services from a Medicare-certified home health agency:

• Skilled nursing: $0 copay
• Physical therapy: $0 copay
• Occupational therapy: $0 copay
• Speech therapy: $0 copay
• Medical social work: $0 copay
• Home health aide (when receiving skilled care): $0 copay

You pay:

• $0 copay for each visit
• Part B deductible ($240 in 2026) if you haven’t met it yet

Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 20% Coinsurance

For Medicare-approved equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen:

• Medicare pays: 80% of the Medicare-approved amount
• You pay: 20% coinsurance after meeting Part B deductible

Example:
Medicare approves $500 for a hospital bed. You’ve already met your Part B deductible. You pay $100 (20% of $500); Medicare pays $400.

Services Medicare Doesn’t Cover: Out-of-Pocket

For personal care, companionship, 24-hour care, and homemaker services:

• Medicare pays: $0
• You pay: Full private-pay rate or use alternative funding sources

24 Hour Home Care rates in Southern California (2026):

• Companion care: $28-32/hour
• Personal care assistance: $30-36/hour
• Live-in care: $280-350/day
• 24-hour care: $320-420/day

Alternative funding sources:

• Long-term care insurance (we provide direct billing)
• Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits
• Medi-Cal (IHSS program for eligible individuals)
• Private pay with flexible payment plans

How Long Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

Medicare coverage continues as long as:

• Your doctor certifies that services are still medically necessary
• You continue to meet homebound status
• You show improvement potential or need skilled intervention to maintain current function
• Services remain intermittent (less than 8 hours/day, 28 hours/week)

Certification Periods

Medicare home health is authorized in 60-day certification periods.

Process:

• Your doctor initially certifies you for up to 60 days of home health
• Before the 60-day period ends, the home health agency reassesses your needs
• If you still qualify, your doctor recertifies for another 60 days
• This can continue indefinitely as long as you meet all eligibility criteria

When Coverage Ends

Medicare stops paying when:

• You no longer need skilled services (therapy goals met, wound healed)
• You’re no longer homebound (able to leave independently)
• You reach a “maintenance plateau” (no further improvement expected and no skilled intervention needed to maintain function)
• You exceed intermittent care limits

Important:
Just because Medicare coverage ends doesn’t mean you no longer need care. Most seniors continue requiring personal care assistance, supervision, and companionship long after skilled therapy concludes.

What happens next:
When Medicare home health coverage ends, 24 Hour Home Care seamlessly transitions to provide ongoing personal care services, allowing you to remain safely at home with the support you need.

Medicare Advantage and Home Care Coverage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare offered by companies like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, and Humana.

How Medicare Advantage Covers Home Care

Required coverage:
All Medicare Advantage plans MUST cover at least the same home health benefits as Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They cannot offer less coverage.

Enhanced benefits:
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer ADDITIONAL home care benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as:

• Limited personal care services (hours per week cap)
• Home-delivered meals after hospitalization
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Telehealth visits
• Over-the-counter allowances
• Fitness programs (SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit)

Example:
Some Medicare Advantage plans in Los Angeles County offer 20-40 hours of personal care assistance per year following hospitalization—coverage Original Medicare doesn’t provide. However, these hours are limited and temporary, not sufficient for long-term care needs.

Key Differences from Original Medicare

| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|———|——————-|——————-|
| Home health coverage | Unlimited (while eligible) | Must match or exceed Original Medicare |
| Personal care extras | None | Some plans offer limited hours |
| Network restrictions | Any Medicare-certified agency | Must use in-network agencies (in most plans) |
| Prior authorization | Rarely required | Often required |
| Prescription coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Often included |

Recommendation:
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan directly to understand your specific home health coverage and any enhanced benefits. Network restrictions may limit your choice of home health agencies.

What to Do When Medicare Doesn’t Cover Your Needs

For most California seniors, Medicare’s home health coverage falls short of actual care needs. Here are your options:

Option 1: Long-Term Care Insurance

If you have a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy:

• Benefits may cover: Personal care, companion care, homemaker services, 24-hour care
• Daily benefit amounts: Typically $100-$300/day depending on your policy
• Benefit period: Usually 2-5 years of coverage

24 Hour Home Care accepts:
We provide direct billing to major long-term care insurance carriers, handle all claims paperwork, and maximize your policy benefits. Our Long-Term Care Insurance Assistance program guides you through:

• Qualifying for benefits
• Filing claims
• Maximizing reimbursements
• Understanding your policy limits and options

Option 2: Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits

If you or your spouse is a veteran:

• Aid & Attendance benefit: Up to $2,295/month (2026 rates) for home care expenses
• Eligibility: Wartime veteran with income and asset limits
• Covers: Personal care, companion care, homemaker services

We help veterans:
24 Hour Home Care assists with VA benefit applications, documentation, and care coordination. Our team understands the Aid & Attendance process and works with veteran service organizations to maximize your benefits.

Option 3: Medi-Cal IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)

For low-income California seniors:

• Medi-Cal IHSS program provides paid personal care services for eligible individuals
• Services covered: Personal care, homemaker services, meal preparation
• Family caregivers: Can be paid as IHSS providers
• No cost: Covered by Medi-Cal

Eligibility:
Income and asset limits apply. Contact your local IHSS office for eligibility assessment.

Option 4: Private Pay with 24 Hour Home Care

For immediate, flexible care:

• No waiting periods
• Choose your own caregivers
• Customize your care plan
• Flexible scheduling (hourly, overnight, live-in, 24-hour)

Payment options:

• Credit/debit cards
• Checks
• Flexible payment plans
• Direct billing to long-term care insurance

Southern California rates (2026):

• Companion care: $28-32/hour (4-hour minimum)
• Personal care: $30-36/hour
• Overnight care (8-hour shift): $240-280/night
• Live-in care (5 days on, 2 off): $280-350/day
• 24-hour care (rotating shifts): $320-420/day

Free consultation:
Call (866) 681-7778 for a no-obligation in-home assessment. We’ll review your care needs, insurance coverage, and funding options to create an affordable care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover 24-hour home care?

No. Medicare does not cover 24-hour care or continuous supervision, even when medically necessary. Medicare only covers part-time, intermittent skilled nursing and therapy services (less than 8 hours per day, 28 hours per week combined). For 24-hour care needs, you’ll need to use long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, Medi-Cal IHSS, or private pay.

Does Medicare cover caregivers to help with bathing and dressing?

Partially and temporarily. Medicare covers home health aide services for personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting) ONLY when you’re simultaneously receiving skilled nursing or therapy. Once skilled services end—even if you still need personal care help—Medicare coverage for aide services stops. For ongoing personal care assistance, contact 24 Hour Home Care at (866) 681-7778.

What’s the difference between Medicare home health and home care?

Medicare home health refers specifically to skilled medical services (nursing, therapy) covered by Medicare when you meet strict eligibility requirements. Home care is a broader term encompassing all in-home support services, including personal care, companionship, and homemaking—most of which Medicare does NOT cover. Think of it this way: Medicare covers the nurse who changes your wound dressing; 24 Hour Home Care provides the caregiver who helps you bathe, prepares your meals, and keeps you company.

How do I find out if I’m eligible for Medicare home health?

Ask your doctor. Your physician determines medical necessity and homebound status, then orders home health services if you qualify. Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss home health eligibility. Bring documentation of your recent hospitalization (if applicable), current medications, and specific care needs. Your doctor will evaluate whether you meet all five Medicare requirements (Section 5) and create a care plan.

Can I choose my own home health agency?

Yes. You have the right to choose any Medicare-certified home health agency that serves your area. Use Medicare’s Home Health Compare tool (Medicare.gov/homehealthcompare) to research agencies, compare quality ratings, and read reviews. Don’t feel pressured to use the agency recommended by your hospital—shop around for the best fit.

What if Medicare denies my home health claim?

You have appeal rights. If Medicare denies coverage or terminates services you believe should continue, you can appeal. The home health agency will provide a “Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage” explaining the denial and your appeal rights. You typically have 60 days to file an appeal. Contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or a Medicare counselor for help with the appeals process.

Does Medicare cover home health care in assisted living?

Yes, if you meet all eligibility requirements. Living in an assisted living facility doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Medicare home health. However, you must still be considered “homebound” relative to leaving the assisted living facility, and the facility must allow outside home health agencies to provide services. Some facilities have preferred agency partnerships.

How many hours of home health care does Medicare cover per week?

Up to 28 hours per week combined for skilled nursing and home health aide services, and less than 8 hours per day. This is considered “part-time or intermittent” care. If you need more intensive care, Medicare coverage won’t be sufficient. For around-the-clock care or more than 28 hours weekly, you’ll need to explore long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, or private pay options with 24 Hour Home Care.

Next Steps: Getting the Care You Need

If You Qualify for Medicare Home Health

• Schedule a doctor’s appointment to discuss medical necessity and homebound status
• Get written orders and a care plan from your physician
• Research Medicare-certified home health agencies using Medicare.gov/homehealthcompare
• Contact 24 Hour Home Care at (866) 681-7778 to fill the gaps Medicare doesn’t cover

If You Don’t Qualify or Medicare Coverage Ends

You still have options:

Call 24 Hour Home Care for a free, no-obligation in-home consultation:
☎️ (866) 681-7778

During your consultation, we’ll:

• Assess your specific care needs
• Explain all service options (hourly, overnight, live-in, 24-hour care)
• Review funding sources (long-term care insurance, VA benefits, Medi-Cal IHSS, private pay)
• Create a personalized care plan
• Introduce you to carefully screened, compassionate caregivers
• Answer all your questions about costs, scheduling, and caregiver matching

No pressure. No obligation. Just honest answers and caring support.

Office locations throughout Southern California:

• Los Angeles
• Pasadena
• Thousand Oaks / Westlake Village
• Orange County
• San Diego
• Palm Desert
• Santa Clarita
• Sherman Oaks
• Redondo Beach

Visit us online:

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Key Takeaways

✅ Medicare covers skilled nursing and therapy at home when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor
✅ Medicare does NOT cover 24-hour care, long-term personal care, companionship, or homemaker services
✅ You must be homebound and need intermittent skilled care to qualify
✅ Coverage has no copay for skilled services from Medicare-certified agencies
✅ Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited enhanced home care benefits
✅ When Medicare coverage ends, 24 Hour Home Care provides ongoing personal care, companionship, and 24-hour support
✅ Alternative funding exists: Long-term care insurance, VA benefits, Medi-Cal IHSS, and flexible private-pay options

Sources:

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2026). Medicare Benefit Policy Manual: Chapter 7 – Home Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2026). Medicare & You Handbook 2026. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/
• National Institute on Aging (NIA). (2025). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Health Risks and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Published by 24 Hour Home Care
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
For questions or to schedule a free consultation: (866) 681-7778

Internal Links (To Be Added):

• Personal Care Assistance
• 24-Hour Home Care
• Live-In Care
• Companion Care
• Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care
• Veterans Benefits for Home Care
• Medicaid Home Care in California (IHSS)
• Home Care vs Nursing Home Comparison
• Los Angeles Home Care Services