HarvardCare at Home 
Wound Care
What Is Medicare Home Health Care?
Medicare home health care is a benefit that pays for skilled medical services delivered directly to your home. If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with a wound that requires professional attention, Medicare may cover the cost of having a nurse or therapist come to you — with no out-of-pocket cost when certain conditions are met.
Many families in Los Angeles are unaware they are entitled to this benefit. Understanding how the process works can make the difference between a safe recovery at home and an unnecessary — and expensive — stay in a facility.
Who Qualifies for Medicare Home Health Care?
To receive Medicare-covered home health services, you must meet four key requirements:
1. You must be under the care of a doctor. A physician, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist must certify that you need home health services and create a plan of care.
2. You must be homebound. Medicare defines homebound as having a condition that makes leaving home require considerable effort. This includes patients who use a wheelchair, walker, or require assistance from another person to leave. You do not need to be completely bedridden — you can still leave for medical appointments or occasional outings.
3. You must need skilled care. Medicare covers services that require a licensed professional, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or wound care. Custodial care — help with bathing or dressing — is not covered on its own unless it accompanies a skilled service.
4. The home health agency must be Medicare-certified. Not all agencies qualify. You must receive care from an agency that is approved and certified by Medicare. HarvardCare at Home is Medicare-certified and serves patients throughout Los Angeles County.
What Services Does Medicare Cover at Home?
When you qualify, Medicare Part A or Part B can cover a range of skilled services, including:
Skilled nursing visits — A registered nurse can come to your home to manage wound care, administer IV medications, monitor vital signs, and coordinate with your physician. Learn more about our skilled nursing care at home services.
Physical therapy — A licensed physical therapist can help you regain strength, balance, and mobility after surgery or illness. This is especially important after hip or knee replacement, stroke, or a serious fall.
Occupational therapy — An occupational therapist helps you relearn daily living activities and makes recommendations to improve safety inside your home.
Wound care — Certified wound care nurses provide professional in-home wound care, including dressing changes, infection monitoring, and specialized treatments for diabetic wounds, pressure ulcers, and surgical sites.
Medication management — A nurse can review all your medications, set up schedules, and flag dangerous interactions. See our medication management services for more detail.
Post-hospital discharge care — If you are transitioning home after a hospital stay, a nurse can visit immediately to ensure a safe recovery. Our post-hospital discharge nurse service is designed specifically for this transition.
For a deeper breakdown of what is and is not covered, read our guide: Medicare Home Health: What’s Covered and How to Qualify.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Home Health Care Through Medicare
The process is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: Talk to your doctor. Your physician must determine that you need skilled care at home and that you meet the homebound requirement. If you are being discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation facility, this conversation often happens automatically as part of your discharge planning. If you are at home and your condition has changed, schedule an appointment and ask directly whether you qualify for home health services. Our guide on how to talk to your doctor about home health services can help you prepare for that conversation.
Step 2: Get a referral or order. Your doctor will write an order for home health services. This order specifies which services you need — nursing, therapy, wound care — and how frequently. Medicare requires that this order come from a physician or approved provider who has seen you within the past 90 days.
Step 3: Choose a Medicare-certified home health agency. You have the right to choose your own agency. Medicare.gov maintains a “Care Compare” tool where you can search for and compare certified agencies by location and quality ratings. When choosing, look for an agency with experience in your specific condition, a strong reputation for responsiveness, and the ability to start care quickly. Read our full checklist in How to Choose the Right Home Health Agency.
Step 4: The agency contacts your doctor. Once you select an agency, they will coordinate directly with your physician to confirm the plan of care. A good agency handles this communication on your behalf so you do not have to navigate it alone.
Step 5: Care begins at home. A nurse or therapist will come to your home, typically within 24 to 48 hours of the referral being processed. During the first visit, they will conduct a full assessment and review your care plan. Learn what to expect in our article: What to Expect During Your First Home Health Visit.
Does Medicare Pay 100% of Home Health Costs?
In most cases, yes — if you qualify under Original Medicare (Part A or Part B), there is no copay and no deductible for covered home health services. You pay nothing for the skilled visits themselves.
However, there are some situations where costs may apply. If you receive home health under a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your plan may have different rules, copays, or network restrictions. Always confirm your specific plan details with your insurer before services begin.
For a detailed answer to this question, see our post: Is Home Wound Care Covered by Medicare?
How Long Can You Receive Medicare Home Health Services?
Medicare does not set a strict limit on the number of visits or the duration of home health care. Coverage continues as long as your doctor certifies that you remain homebound, require skilled care, and are making progress — or that maintenance care is needed to prevent your condition from worsening.
Care is organized in 60-day episodes. At the end of each episode, your doctor reviews your progress and recertifies your need for continued care if it is still appropriate. There is no cap on how many episodes you can receive.
What If You Do Not Have a Doctor’s Referral Yet?
If you believe you or a loved one qualifies but have not yet spoken to a physician, the first step is scheduling that appointment. Some home health agencies — including HarvardCare at Home — can also assist you in navigating the referral process and communicating with your care team.
You can also read our guide on how to get a doctor to order home health services if you are unsure how to start that conversation.
Getting Started With HarvardCare at Home
HarvardCare at Home is a Medicare-certified home health agency serving patients across Los Angeles County. Our team of registered nurses, wound care specialists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists provides compassionate, professional care in the comfort of your home — seven days a week.
If you or a family member needs home health care and you believe Medicare may cover it, contact us today to speak with our care team. We can help verify your eligibility, coordinate with your physician, and begin care as quickly as the same day. You can also visit our FAQs page for answers to common questions about coverage, services, and what to expect.
