Services provided in home health care include nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical social work. What is the history of home care in the United States?
Home care began as a service to mothers and children in poor, urban areas, and then expanded into the rural areas where care was provided to clients of all ages. The Medicare Act of 1965 extended home health services to qualified elderly in their homes. The benefit was extended in 1973 to younger recipients with disabilities. With the institution of the prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare clients in 1983, hospitals began discharging older people from the hospital as early as possible, causing an increased demand for home care. Requirements for Medicare reimbursement were restricted to restrain costs.
Related Questions
- You mentioned that there was a resource that describes the various skilled nursing services provided under the Medicare home health benefit. Where can we access this?
- What kinds of benefits will I receive for services other than skilled nursing facility care and home health care that are covered by the plan?
- Do physical therapy services provided by a Home Health Agency apply to the financial limits (cap) for Part B Physical Therapy?
