Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes, under specific rules. Part A and/or Part B cover home health care when a doctor certifies you're homebound and need intermittent skilled care — skilled nursing or physical, speech, or occupational therapy. You pay $0 for covered home health services (and 20% for any durable medical equipment). It does not cover full-time care.

Does Original Medicare cover home health care?

Yes — if you're homebound and need skilled care

Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov

Medicare covers home health care when all of these are true: you're under the care of a doctor or allowed provider who set up and reviews a plan of care; the doctor certifies you need intermittent skilled nursing care or therapy (physical, speech-language, or continued occupational); and the doctor certifies you're homebound (leaving home takes considerable effort and generally isn't advised). A Medicare-certified home health agency must provide the care. You pay nothing for covered home health services, and 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment. Covered services can include skilled nursing, therapy, a part-time home health aide and medical social services (only while you're also getting skilled care), and certain medical supplies. Medicare does not cover 24-hour-a-day care, meals delivered to your home, or homemaker services (like shopping or cleaning) when that's the only help you need.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover the same home health benefit as Original Medicare, though they may require prior authorization and an in-network agency. If you qualify, some plans also add extra in-home supports as a supplemental benefit.

Who this matters to

People recovering at home after a hospital stay, illness, or surgery, and their caregivers. The key gates are being homebound and needing skilled (not just custodial) care — if you only need help with daily activities, that isn't covered as home health.

What does Medicare cost you in 2026?

See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.

See 2026 Medicare Costs →

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare pay for a home health aide?

Yes, but only part-time or intermittently and only while you're also receiving covered skilled care (nursing or therapy). A home health aide to help with bathing or dressing isn't covered on its own if you don't also need skilled care.

How many hours of home health care does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers part-time or intermittent care — generally fewer than 8 hours a day and 28 or fewer hours a week (sometimes more for a short time if your doctor documents the need). It does not cover 24-hour-a-day care at home.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover hospice care?

Yes — covered by Part A, and you pay almost nothing.

Does Medicare cover nursing home care?

Limited — skilled care yes, long-term custodial care no.

Does Medicare cover dental?

Dental, vision & hearing under Original Medicare vs Advantage.

Medigap Plans Explained

How supplement plans cover the 20% Original Medicare leaves you.

Comparing plans this year?

Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like home health care — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.

Open the Enrollment Finder →

Official sources

This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules:

Medicare.gov — Home health services