Medicare can help older adults and people with disabilities obtain necessary care at home. When individuals meet the home health benefit criteria, Medicare-covered care can include home health aide services as well as skilled nursing and therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology therapy). As defined by federal law, home health aides provide hands-on personal care, including assistance with the activities of daily living. This care is often critical to people’s health, safety, and ability to remain at home. Unfortunately, and contrary to law, beneficiaries are often told that Medicare does not cover home health aides or, if it does, for only a few hours per week.
- Download our new guide at medicareadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Issue-Brief-Home-Health-Aide-Coverage.pdf