Does Kaiser Cover Home Health Care?

Hospital stays have become shorter due to limited resources and concerns about infection and the quality of recovery. Studies have indicated that older adults who recover at home can have better outcomes with the proper support. Home health care has filled the need for continued health monitoring and recovery services after surgery, illness or accidents. Kaiser covers home health services as needed, depending on the terms of your health insurance policy.

Does Kaiser Cover Home Health Care?

Kaiser Permanente covers home health care services, including nurse visits and physical, occupational and speech therapies. You can shop for plans that cover home health care services by visiting MedicareAdvantage.com.

The amount of coverage you'll receive for home health care is based on your individual health insurance policy. Home health care is designed to maximize recovery from illness or accident by ensuring each person receives the best care possible. It’s a temporary home-based replacement for the healthcare you normally receive at medical offices and hospitals.

What Are the Requirements for Kaiser to Provide Home Health Care?

You may need follow-up care at home after surgery or an injury, and the Kaiser team works to help you recover as quickly and completely as possible. Depending on your condition, you may have visits from various caregivers or specialists. A healthcare social worker determines your needs and coordinates visits from other home healthcare professionals.

The criteria for receiving home health care from Kaiser is based on the Medicare home health care benefit. Medicare will only pay for personal care, such as bathing and dressing, if an enrollee is also under the care of a doctor who prescribes skilled nursing care or physical, occupational or speech therapy. The frequency of visits and the length of time they're covered must be considered reasonable, and a physician must certify that the beneficiary is homebound. The home health care agency providing services must also be on Medicare’s approved list.

What Home Health Care Services Does Kaiser Provide?

Kaiser’s coverage of home health care is implemented by a team of healthcare professionals that includes:

• Registered nurses
• Speech pathologists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Home health aides

A visiting nurse evaluates a patient’s condition, checks vital signs and makes sure medication is being properly taken. The recovering individual may also be seen at home by a physical or occupational therapist, depending on their needs. A nursing aide may visit two or three times a week to help with personal care, such as bathing and grooming. All of Kaiser’s home care professionals are Medicare-certified.

What Are the Steps for Getting Home Health Care from Kaiser?

Home health care from Kaiser begins when a doctor orders it for a patient. Afterward, a representative from the home health care agency will contact the person to find out about their health needs and explain what to expect from home health care services.

People receiving assistance may have their blood pressure taken, get help with their medications and receive instructions on how to use medical equipment. They might also have their blood drawn for lab tests and receive care for incisions or wounds. The home health care staff will also send details of a person’s care to their doctor and report on their condition.

Does Kaiser Cover Medical Equipment?

Coverage for medical supplies and equipment depends on your benefit package. It’s also based on medical need, and each order requires a doctor’s prescription. Prosthetic and orthotic devices may be covered, as well as wound care supplies. Once an equipment order is sent, the supplier contacts the enrollee about delivery. Copayments and deductibles are paid directly to the vendor when equipment is delivered. Some examples of the type of medical equipment that may be covered are:

• Wheelchair
• Walker
• Crutches
• Oxygen
• Nebulizers