Does Aetna Cover Home Health Care?

Are you or a loved one in need of home health care services? Are you wondering if Aetna covers this type of care? The answer is yes, Aetna does cover home health care under certain circumstances. In this article, we will explore what home health care is, when it is covered by Aetna, and what services are included.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care is a type of medical care provided in the patient's home by licensed healthcare professionals. This type of care is often used for patients who are recovering from an illness or injury and require medical attention but do not need to be hospitalized. Home health care can include a wide range of services, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social services, home health aide services.

When is Home Health Care Covered by Aetna?

Aetna covers home health care services when they are deemed medically necessary and ordered by a physician. To be eligible for coverage, the patient must also be considered homebound, meaning they are unable to leave their home without assistance or it would be detrimental to their health to do so. Additionally, the home health care services must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.

What Services are Included in Aetna's Coverage?

Aetna's coverage for home health care services is comprehensive and designed to provide patients with the support they need to achieve their health goals.

Services Included

The services included in Aetna's coverage are deemed medically necessary and are tailored to meet each patient's individual needs. Aetna's coverage for home health care services includes:

• Skilled nursing care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medical social services
• Home health aide services

These services are provided by experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their patients.

Frequency and Duration

The frequency and duration of these services will depend on the patient's individual needs and treatment plan. Aetna's goal is to ensure that patients receive the care they need to recover from illness or injury and to manage chronic conditions, all in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Exceptions

It is important to note that Aetna may not cover certain types of home health care services, such as custodial care or services that are not considered medically necessary. However, Aetna's team of dedicated care coordinators is available to help patients navigate their coverage and find the support they need to achieve their health goals.

How to Determine if a Patient is Eligible for Home Health Care Services?

To determine if a patient is eligible for home health care services, the physician will need to evaluate their medical condition and determine if they require any of the following services:

The following are services offered by our healthcare facility:

Skilled nursing care

Our skilled nursing team provides round-the-clock care to patients who require medical attention or assistance in their daily living activities.

Physical therapy

Our physical therapists design individualized treatment plans to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence after an injury or surgery.

Occupational therapy

Our occupational therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and cooking, and help them regain independence.

Speech therapy

Our speech therapists help patients improve their communication skills, including speaking, comprehension, and swallowing ability.

Medical social services

Our medical social workers provide counseling and support to patients and their families to address emotional and social issues related to their health condition.

Home health aide services

Our home health aides assist patients with personal care such as bathing, grooming, and getting dressed. They also help with light housekeeping tasks.

The physician will also need to assess whether the patient meets Aetna's criteria for being homebound.

Aetna defines homebound as "a patient who has a condition due to an illness or injury that restricts their ability to leave their place of residence except with the assistance of another individual or the aid of a supportive device such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair."

This means that patients who are unable to leave their homes without significant effort or assistance may be eligible for home health care services.

It is important to note that patients who do not meet Aetna's criteria for being homebound may still be eligible for other types of healthcare services. Patients should speak with their physician and insurance provider to determine what options are available to them.

What are the Limitations of Aetna's Coverage for Home Health Care Services?

While Aetna offers comprehensive coverage for home health care services, there are some limitations to their coverage.

• Custodial care not covered: Custodial care refers to non-medical assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Certain services not deemed medically necessary may not be covered: For example, if a patient requires physical therapy to improve their golf swing rather than to recover from an injury or surgery, this service would likely not be covered by Aetna.

It is important for patients and their families to carefully review their insurance policy and speak with their healthcare providers to understand what services are covered under their plan.

Additionally, patients can work with Aetna's care coordinators to understand their benefits and find resources to help them manage any out-of-pocket costs associated with receiving home health care services.

Are there any Alternatives to Home Health Care Services that Aetna Covers?

Yes, Aetna does cover alternative healthcare services for patients who cannot receive home health care services. These alternatives include:

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is a type of healthcare service that allows patients to receive medical attention from the comfort of their own homes. Patients can connect with licensed healthcare professionals via video conferencing or phone calls to receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Outpatient rehabilitation is a type of medical care that provides rehabilitation services to patients without requiring them to stay in a hospital or other medical facility. This type of care is often used for patients who are recovering from an injury or surgery and require physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a type of healthcare service provided to terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. This type of care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process.

It is important for patients and their families to work closely with their physicians and insurance providers to determine what types of alternative healthcare services are covered under their plan.

How to Find a Medicare-Certified Home Health Agency?

To be eligible for coverage of home health care services under Aetna, the care must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. Here are some steps you can take to find a Medicare-certified home health agency:

1. Check Aetna's Provider Directory: Aetna maintains a directory of healthcare providers that are in-network and covered under their plans. You can search for a Medicare-certified home health agency in your area on Aetna's website or by calling their customer service line.
2. Use Medicare's Home Health Compare Tool: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains a tool called Home Health Compare that allows you to search for and compare home health agencies based on location, quality of care, patient experience, and more.
3. Ask Your Physician or Care Coordinator: Your physician or care coordinator may have recommendations for Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area that they have worked with before.
4. Research Online Reviews: Once you have identified several potential Medicare-certified home health agencies, it is a good idea to research online reviews from other patients and families who have used their services. This can help you get an idea of the quality of care provided by each agency and what to expect.

By taking these steps, you can find a Medicare-certified home health agency that meets your needs and is covered under your Aetna insurance plan.

How to Choose the Right Home Health Care Provider for Your Needs?

Choosing the right home health care provider for your needs can be a daunting task, but it is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you choose the right home health care provider:

1. Research Providers

Start by researching providers in your area. Look for providers who are licensed, accredited, and Medicare-certified. Check their website and read reviews from other patients and families who have used their services.

2. Consider Your Needs

Consider what type of care you need and what services each provider offers. Do they provide the specific type of care you require? Do they offer a wide range of services or just a few?

3. Evaluate Quality of Care

Look at the quality of care provided by each provider. Consider factors such as patient outcomes, infection rates, and patient satisfaction scores.

4. Check Insurance Coverage

Check with your insurance provider to see which providers are covered under your plan. Make sure that any provider you choose is in-network to avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

5. Meet with Providers

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential providers, schedule a meeting with each one to learn more about their services and ask any questions you may have.

By following these steps, you can find a home health care provider who meets your needs and provides quality care that helps you achieve your health goals.

Understanding the Costs of Home Health Care Services

While Aetna covers home health care services, patients may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs associated with their care. It is important to understand these costs and how to manage them.

Covered vs. Non-Covered Services

First, it is important to understand what services are covered under your Aetna insurance plan and which ones are not. As mentioned earlier, custodial care is generally not covered by insurance, so if you require assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing, you may need to pay for those services out-of-pocket.

Co-Pays and Deductibles

Patients may also be responsible for co-pays or deductibles associated with their home health care services. Co-pays are a fixed amount that patients must pay each time they receive a service, while deductibles are a set amount that patients must pay before their insurance coverage kicks in.

It is important to review your insurance plan carefully and speak with your healthcare provider about any potential out-of-pocket costs associated with your care.

Managing Costs

There are several steps patients can take to manage the costs associated with their home health care services:

• Review Your Insurance Plan: Review your insurance policy carefully to understand what services are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
• Ask About Financial Assistance Programs: Some Medicare-certified home health agencies offer financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford their out-of-pocket expenses.
• Consider Alternative Healthcare Options: If the cost of home health care services is prohibitive, consider alternative healthcare options such as outpatient rehabilitation or telemedicine.
• Speak With Your Care Coordinator: Aetna's team of dedicated care coordinators can help patients navigate their coverage and find resources to help them manage any out-of-pocket costs associated with receiving home health care services.

By understanding the costs associated with home health care services and taking steps to manage those costs, patients can receive the care they need without experiencing undue financial burden.

How to Prepare Your Home for Home Health Care Services

Preparing your home for home health care services can help ensure that you receive the best possible care and that your healthcare providers are able to perform their duties safely and effectively. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home:

Clear Pathways

Make sure all pathways in your home are clear and free of clutter. This includes hallways, doorways, and staircases. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, make sure there is enough space for it to move around easily.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Remove any tripping hazards from your home, such as loose rugs or electrical cords. Make sure all carpets are securely fastened to the floor.

Adjust Furniture Placement

Consider adjusting the placement of furniture in your home to allow for easy access by healthcare providers. For example, you may need to move a table or chair out of the way so that a healthcare provider can get closer to you.

Install Grab Bars and Handrails

Installing grab bars and handrails in key areas of your home can help prevent falls and provide support when moving around. Consider installing these in bathrooms, near stairs, and in other areas where extra support may be needed.

Provide Necessary Equipment

If you require special equipment such as a hospital bed or wheelchair ramp, make sure it is set up before your healthcare provider arrives. This will help ensure that they can provide the care you need without any delays.

By taking these steps to prepare your home for home health care services, you can help ensure that you receive safe and effective care in the comfort of your own home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aetna's coverage for home health care services can provide patients with the necessary care they need in the comfort of their own homes. By understanding the eligibility criteria, limitations of coverage, and alternative healthcare options available, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Additionally, by researching and choosing the right home health care provider and preparing their home for services, patients can receive safe and effective care that helps them achieve their health goals.

Sources

• Aetna. (n.d.). Home Health Care Services. Retrieved from https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/member-rights-resources/need-to-know-new-rules/home-health-care-services.html
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Home Health Compare: Patient Experience of Care Survey Results. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare/Data/Patient-Experience-of-Care-Survey-Results.aspx
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Hospice Care. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Services: Complying with Documentation Requirements Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/TherapyServicesBooklet_ICN905661.pdf
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Telemedicine: Learn About Telehealth Coverage Under Medicare. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth

‍