Frequently asked questions about home health care. Click on your choice.

1.  What is home health care?

2.  What services are available in the home?

3.  How much does it cost?

4.  Does my insurance cover the care?

5.  Isn't home health just for seniors?

6.  How do I know what services I need?  

7.  I have Medicare and I enrolled into a health plan (managed care), why can't I get home health from  Signature Health Services?

8.  I have home care from Agency A, but am not happy, what can I do?

What is home health care?

Just as the name implies, home health care is the ability to provide services in the patient's home. Most experts agree that the home is the best environment for healing. Patients can benefit from home health care by alleviating the need for extended stays in a hospital or a nursing home.

What services are available in the home?

People are often amazed at the number of services that can be performed in the home. We can send nurses, nursing assistants, physical, speech and occupational therapists in the home. 

How much does it cost?

Home health care is covered by Medicare (Either Part A or B), Medicaid and most private insurance. If you don't meet the admitting criteria or are opting for a service not covered by your insurer, you may elect to pay "out of pocket" for services.

Does my insurance cover the care?

Most health plans cover the cost of home health care. However, each plan may have certain conditions or criteria that must be met in order to qualify. Also, many insurers require the patient to use a home health agency this is part of their provider network. 

Interested parties should contact their insurer to obtain further information.

Isn't home health just for seniors?

There is no age range for clients of home health care agencies. Of course, senior citizens are the greater portion of our patients, but many people who need assistance get home health care at any age for themselves, their grandparents, or their infants. It all depends on your needs.

How do I know what services I need?

The services you receive are generally prescribed by your physician. In most cases, the doctor will recommend home health care. A nurse is sent from the home health agency, she along with the doctor, the patient, and the Agency, determine what services would benefit the patient most.

Not all services need a doctor's order. Anyone can opt for non-medical services, usually a nursing assistant, for respite care, at any time. The client simply calls the Agency and requests the services needed.

What is custodial care?

This is a very important area, especially when Medicare is the insurer. Medicare will cover the cost of home health care by a certified agency. In most cases, patients are under the care of a home health agency for a limited time, 60 days is the initial "episode". Patients sometimes become very used to having a person assist them with personal care duties and want to continue those services. However, Medicare ONLY covers services associated with the treatment of a condition. Once the patient's goals have been met, the patient is discharged from care. Patients may opt to continue receiving care at their own expense.

I have Medicare and I enrolled into a health plan (managed care), why can't I get home health from Signature Health Services?

Some people who have Medicare have elected to enroll into health plans such as those offered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield®, AvMed®, Humana®, and others. These are referred to as managed care companies, also know as health maintenance organizations (HMO's). Once a person enrolls into one of these plans, Medicare pays the HMO anywhere from $600.00 to $1,200.00 (est.) each month to be responsible for all of that person's care (meeting Medicare coverage). In essence, this person has waived all of their rights to care and has agreed to accept the care from the HMO and its providers. That person must use the HMO's providers or pay for services that may otherwise be covered by Medicare, out of their own pocket.

I have home care from Agency A, but am not happy, what can I do?

Anyone can get home health care from nearly any home health agency (depending on the insurer). If you are not satisfied with the staff or quality of care you are receiving, you should first try contacting the Agency Administrator and voice your concerns. If you are still not satisfied, you can change agencies with a few phone calls. Contact your Doctor and tell him about your request. In most cases, another agency can continue services the very next day.