What Role Does Medicare Play in Long Term Care?

Medicare is an important program to the elderly citizens in the Ohio Valley. However, there are some common misconceptions surrounding what Medicare will actually cover when it comes to long term care and other senior care needs.

Many long term care options revolve around non-medical support services. Since so much of long term care is non-medical, Medicare is often far less help than clients and families originally think.

Here is what Medicare does cover:

1. Care in a Long-Term Care Hospital
2. Medical-Related Home Health Services
3. Physical therapy
4. Speech and Language Pathology Services
5. Occupational Services
6. Hospice and Respite Care
7. Short Term Skilled Nursing Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Medicare does NOT pay for:

1. 24-Hour-a-Day Care at Home
2. Meals Delivered to Your Home
3. Homemaker Services
4. Personal and Custodial Care
5. Long Term Stays in a Nursing Home
6. Transportation Assistance for Appointments and Errands

Often, we see or talk to people that confuse Medicare with Medicaid. While both are government programs, they are very different.

Medicare is governmental program that ensures that our elderly citizens have access to healthcare beyond their working years when they need it the most.

Medicaid is a governmental program put into place so that those living around the poverty line and below are able to access healthcare services.

If you were counting on Medicare to help pay for your long term care, please click below to talk to one of our staff. There’s no need to be anxious. There are many ways to be creative with providing quality care and stay within a reasonable budget.

Get In Touch with an In-home Care Specialist