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Medicare won’t cover companion services

2/28/2011 3:01:18 PM by Administrator Account

Home Care by David DiFilippo

Q: My aunt will soon be receiving home care. and we're told that Medicare will only cover skilled services. What does that mean? We need to be able to budget for what her needs will be but don't really understand what services are covered and which ones are not. ~ Gwen Antonelli, North Providence

    A: Medicare will only cover procedures requiring the skills of a nurse for safe and effective performance. Some of the services that seem to have a medical component but do not require skilled nursing care include simple wound care; administration of oral medications, eye drops and topical ointments; routine ostomy care or foot care; filling syringes; and insulin injections if the patient is able to do it or there is someone else available to complete the task. If your aunt primarily needs companion care for tasks such as running errands or supervision for dementia, Medicare would not cover those services.
   Q: What is the difference between a visiting nurse association and a home care agency? ~ Ellen Jones, Scituate
   A: The difference between the two is their corporate structure. Visiting nurse associations are non-profit entities and home care agencies are typically for profit businesses. Both entities provide skilled nursing services covered by Medicare and both need to be certified by the state Department of Health to render skilled services. Consumers always have a choice of home care providers. The most important factor in making a decision is not the corporate structure but the scope and quality of the entity’s services and its coverage area. It is also helpful to consider whether the service offers multiple levels of care such as companion care in case needs change.
   Q: I will soon be having surgery for cancer. If chemotherapy is needed, can I receive it at home? ~ Susan Angelo, Providence
   A: Yes, but your physician should recommend the appropriate setting for your needs.

   David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Home Health Services, which specializes in in-home personal assistance such as errands and medication management, as well as skilled nursing services and rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@trmcomm.com.

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