Does Medicare Pay for Visiting Angels?
Questions around Medicare’s coverage of home health services are common since it can be complex. Unfortunately, Medicare has limited coverage of home health services, including those provided by Visiting Angels.
While Visiting Angels is a Medicare-approved home health care provider, Medicare doesn’t cover all of its services. We’ll go over what your Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to home health services and Visiting Angels.
Key takeaways:
Visiting Angels is a Medicare-certified home health agency, but not all of its services are covered by Medicare.
Medicare doesn’t cover in-home personal services like custodial care, companionship, or meal preparation.
Medicare may be able to cover home health services from Visiting Angels if you qualify, but rules for coverage are strict.
What is Visiting Angels?
Visiting Angels is an independent, franchised network of home care agencies that provides services for older adults and people with disabilities. It may be a good option for seniors who want to age in place and need extra help with activities of daily living. Visiting Angels offers services for:
Meal preparation
Light housekeeping
Medication reminders
Companionship
Assistance with personal care like dressing, bathing, and eating
Hospice care
Respite care
End-of-life care
Specific home care pricing with Visiting Angels depends on where you live and what service you need. Typically, hourly costs can range from $35-$50. Check your local Visiting Angels office for rates near you.
Does Medicare cover Visiting Angels services?
Although Visiting Angels is a Medicare-approved home health services provider, Medicare doesn’t cover all of its services. This is because Medicare coverage for home health is limited. First, we’ll discuss what Medicare covers, and then we’ll explore how you can use Visiting Angels.
What Medicare covers for home health services
Medicare has a few rules around coverage for home health services. It only covers services if you need part-time or intermittent skilled services. You must also be homebound. Medicare won’t cover home health services if you need custodial care or long-term care. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can get the following services covered:
Medically necessary nursing care
Speech-language pathology services
Medical social services
Home health aide care if you’re also receiving skilled nursing care
Injectable osteoporosis drugs (for women)
Medical supplies
Medicare doesn’t cover:
Care for 24 hours
Meal delivery
Custodial and personal care
Errands and housekeeping
Home health coverage for Visiting Angels with Medicare
If you need home health services for a short period of time, exclusively for medical purposes, Medicare may cover the cost of Visiting Angels. Medicare also covers hospice care if you qualify, so you may be able to receive coverage for this service through Visiting Angels.
While you won’t have to pay anything for the services, you do have to cover some portion of your medical equipment if you need it. You’ll pay 20% of the cost of medical devices after you meet your Part B deductible.
Medicare can be strict about when and how you can use home care services, so make sure you get in touch with Visiting Angels and confirm that you’re eligible for coverage.
Other options for covering Visiting Angels
Long-term care insurance is a good option if you want to plan for assisted living or services like Visiting Angels.
Secondary insurance, like Medicaid or VA benefits, may also help cover Visiting Angels. Keep in mind that most private insurances don’t cover in-home personal care.
State and local assistance programs could offer financial aid for in-home care if you qualify. Contact your local Department of Aging to see what options are available.
The lack of comprehensive coverage for home health services can be frustrating for Medicare beneficiaries, especially if you or a loved one has a chronic condition like Azheimer’s. A Medicare Advisor can discuss all of your options with you to help you maximize the value you get from Medicare. Call us at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat to get help.