Being a caregiver can be time consuming and sometimes draining, even more so when trying to understand Medicare coverage. Here’s some insight into Medicare and what you should know as a caregiver.
Who qualifies as a caregiver for a Medicare beneficiary?
A caregiver can be a family member, loved one or paid helper who helps an older adult with daily tasks. If you are a primary caregiver—spending hours assisting your loved one with daily tasks, taking them to appointments and ensuring their safety and well-being—you may be wondering if there is a way to receive compensation for the help you provide. Getting direct compensation through Medicare can be difficult. However, there are resources to help support caregivers.
Does Medicare pay for caregivers?
Medicare often pays for in-home assistance, but it depends on the type of care, why it is needed and for how long. Under Medicare Part B, rehabilitation services like physical therapy and in-home healthcare are covered when ordered by a doctor.
While it may be tricky to get coverage for a caregiver through Original Medicare (Parts A and B), non-skilled home care is often included as a supplemental benefit for Medicare Advantage plans. Non-skilled home care means it’s not provided by nurses, doctors or licensed medical personnel, but services such as daily tasks and activities are offered by a family member or loved one.
Helpful Tips and Information for Caregivers
- Talk to your loved one’s preferred doctor(s) and care providers – They can help you figure out exactly what your loved one’s needs are, help you tailor a care plan and Medicare coverage for now and in the future.
- Research treatments and exercises for your loved one – Their care provider can teach you preventative treatments and exercises that can help your loved one stay healthy.
- Get connected with resources – Your loved one’s preferred doctor can connect you to caregiving resources and support services in your community, such as transportation, help with meals, support groups, companionship and much more.
- Stay organized – Keep physical and/or electronic medical information handy, as you never know when you’ll need to reference old documentation or provide detailed notes to another caregiver.
- Take your time – It can be extremely beneficial to slow down and take the time to understand Medicare and how your loved one can benefit the most out of their plan.
- Utilize SelectQuote’s guide to Medicare – Our guide to Medicare can provide a basic understanding of common Medicare terms and options to help you get started.
Medicare Can Seem Complicated. SelectQuote Can Help Answer Your Medicare Questions.
As a caregiver, you want to ensure that your loved one is getting the benefits they need. Taking the time to understand their Medicare coverage options and being an advocate for their care needs is an important job. At SelectQuote, we can help answer any questions you have about Medicare and will make sure your loved one has a Medicare plan that fits both their needs and budget.
