Medicare and Home Health Assistance (doctor, surgery, supplement, coverage)

[localinsight]

Hi. I am writing in here to ask if there is such a thing as medicare/w supplement coverage for home health assistance after a procedure. I need to have spine and knee surgery and can stay in a SNF but am told I will need help getting round the house.

An insurance broker says there is only nursing care, but I met a patient during an infusion who says she knew someone not on state aid (I am 61.00/year too rich for any aid there) who did get help, not much, from medicare.

Has anyone heard of this? I moved back to CA after 6 years in MN and NO ONE I knew is still here. Since I was on disability young, many of my friends have died and others have left the state. I am alone, which is no fun, but now surgery and post care are looming.

Thanks sorry if this is the wrong forum. I figured I would start with you since I do know people have a hard time getting good help even if they qualify.

Be Well.

[veuvegirl]

I believe the only type of assistance you can get is from Medicaid. I would talk to another broker in your state that may be more helpful.

[AZgarden]

Yes you can. You must be homebound and in need of skilled nursing care, intermittently, or PT, OT or speech therapy. It must be a Medicare certified home health agency. You must have orders from a doctor caring from you. The services are part time and a home health aide can help you with activities of daily living and light housekeeping, meal prep, etc. There is no fee for this. Your doctor should know about this service under Medicare, since he will be the one calling the agency and ordering it for you.

[localinsight]

Thanks so much,barb. I heard it was possible but
Most don't know and it is tough to get . Menopause is
Making the disability worse. I figure that I am the financial equiv.
Of an 85 yr old (counting yrs of "early retirement " at age 30).

Even asked if I could give Some $ back to get any state aid.
Answer was no. Tough spot.

[Briolat21]

Medicare does offer some home health "aide" type services (assistance with activities of daily living) for these types of situations, just not a lot.

PhxBarb has it right - your doctor will have to certify why you need it, whether it is temporary or permanent, etc..

good luck getting the help you need!