by Russell Noga | Updated January 1st, 2024
Is Visiting Angels Covered by Medicare?
As the aging population continues to grow, many families are faced with the challenge of finding quality in-home care for their loved ones.
Visiting Angels, a nationwide network of non-medical home care providers, offers personalized services to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
But with healthcare costs on the rise, the question on many people’s minds is: “Is Visiting Angels covered by Medicare?”
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Visiting Angels and Medicare, exploring the services offered, coverage options, and alternative payment methods.
By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of how to navigate the complex terrain of Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services.
Key Takeaways
- Visiting Angels is a nationwide network of non-medical home health care services for seniors.
- Medicare covers limited in-home care services, and there are restrictions and limitations on the coverage provided.
- Alternative options such as long term insurance, veterans benefits, or Medicaid can be used to help cover costs when Medicare coverage is not sufficient.
Understanding Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels, founded by Jeffrey Johnson, is a nationwide network of non-medical home health services providers specifically for seniors.
Johnson conceived Visiting Angels with the goal of providing seniors with personalized care services, which, under certain conditions, could be reimbursed by federal health insurance programs such as Medicare.
Visiting Angels strives to cater to the diverse needs of seniors through their wide array of services, with the aim of enabling them to uphold their independence and life quality within the coziness of their own homes.
Services Offered by Visiting Angels
The services offered by Visiting Angels encompass:
- Personal care
- Homemaking
- Transportation
- Companionship
These services are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each client receives the precise care they require.
From dressing and grooming to meal preparation and medication reminders, the personal care services offered by Visiting Angels cover a comprehensive range of tasks.
Their homemaking services are customized according to the specific difficulties and requirements of each family.
With care coordinators who hold in-person meetings to discuss client needs and devise customized care plans, Visiting Angels is committed to aligning their services with the precise needs of their clients and respective families.
Furthermore, they provide transportation services and companionship, engaging in activities, offering emotional and social support, and creating personalized care plans, including occupational therapy.
Visiting Angels Network
The Visiting Angels network is large and widespread, with more than 600 separate and independent agencies located throughout the US. This shows the immense reach of this organization.
Despite the size and independent nature of each franchise, Visiting Angels maintains consistency in service across the network through a comprehensive system of ongoing contact, including check-in telephone calls and personalized home visits.
This approach enables them to maintain steady oversight and ensure their services meet their high standards.
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Medicare and Home Health Care Coverage
Medicare, a federal health insurance program, covers home health care services, including medical care, provided by home health care agencies, which include skilled nursing care, therapy, and assistance from home health aides.
However, it is important to understand the limitations and requirements that come with Medicare coverage.
While Medicare does provide certain coverage options for at-home care, it may not always cover all the services provided by Visiting Angels.
Original Medicare’s Coverage
Original Medicare covers limited home health care services for eligible individuals, including:
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech language pathology services
- Occupational services
- Medical social services
However, there are constraints associated with Original Medicare’s coverage, such as restrictions on the number of days per week and hours per day of service, usually not exceeding seven days a week or eight hours a day for a maximum of 21 days, and limitations on durable medical equipment, which can affect Medicare pay.
Moreover, Original Medicare does not provide coverage for non-skilled personal care services provided by private agencies like Visiting Angels, including activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
As such, while Original Medicare does offer some coverage for home health care services, it may not fully cover the range of services offered by Visiting Angels.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, provide coverage equivalent to that of Original Medicare Part A and Part B and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
These plans may offer supplemental benefits for in-home care services, including Medicare cover for Visiting Angels, depending on the specific plan and insurance company.
Medicare Advantage plans typically provide supplemental benefits for in-home care, including:
- In-home support services
- Home-based palliative care
- Housekeeping services
- Meal delivery
- Aides to assist with activities of daily living
These benefits have gained popularity and become more accessible in recent years. As a result, Medicare Advantage plans may offer more comprehensive coverage for Visiting Angels services compared to Original Medicare.
Is Visiting Angels Covered by Medicare?
Medicare may cover Visiting Angels services for short-term care under certain conditions, such as physician certification, recent hospital stay, and care within thirty days.
It’s crucial to consult with a Medicare representative to ascertain your eligibility for coverage and the services it entails.
However, not all Visiting Angels services may be covered by Medicare, and it’s important to understand the limitations and exceptions that apply to your specific situation.
Short-term Care Coverage
Medicare covers 100% of the cost for the first 20 days of Visiting Angels services if patients meet specific criteria, such as being homebound, under the care of their physician, and requiring home health care services.
After the initial 20 days, Medicare pays a set amount per day up to 100 days.
While this coverage can help lessen the financial strain linked to in-home care services, one should also be cognizant of its limitations and requirements.
Limitations and Exceptions
There are limitations and exceptions to Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services. For instance, patients must be homebound according to Medicare standards, meaning they are unable to leave their home without significant exertion or assistance from another individual.
Additionally, patients must require skilled care, such as skilled nursing services or therapy, in order to be eligible for Medicare coverage.
While some Visiting Angels services may be covered by Medicare, it is important to understand these limitations and exceptions in order to make informed decisions about your care and financial planning.
A discussion with a Medicare representative can dispel any uncertainties and ascertain the most suitable coverage for your individual needs.
Alternative Options for Paying for Visiting Angels Services
Should Medicare coverage fall short or fail to cover the complete cost of Visiting Angels services, there exist alternative options to aid in bearing these expenses.
Long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and Medicaid home health care are all viable alternatives that can provide financial assistance for in-home care services like Visiting Angels.
Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is a form of insurance coverage that can assist in financing in-home personal care services.
It can be utilized to pay for Visiting Angels services by submitting a claim to the insurance company and furnishing them with a copy of the care plan as evidence of services rendered.
With the average annual premium for long-term care insurance being approximately $2,700 for a 55-year-old individual, this option can provide significant financial relief for families seeking quality in-home care for their loved ones.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses can receive financial assistance for in-home care services through various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.
The VA offers several programs that provide financial assistance for home care services, such as the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans to choose and receive care from a provider like Visiting Angels.
Furthermore, veterans may qualify for a special Disability Pension benefit that can be utilized to cover some of the costs. It is recommended to contact the VA to determine eligibility and further explore the programs and benefits available.
Medicaid Home Health Care
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for individuals with low income, may cover home health care services in some cases, but eligibility and coverage guidelines vary by state.
To determine if Medicaid may cover Visiting Angels services, it is important to contact your local Medicaid office or visit the official website for more information.
How to Find a Medicare-approved Home Care Provider
To ascertain the receipt of the necessary care and coverage, it is vital to find a Medicare-approved home care provider. Medicare.gov offers online searching for recommendations.
Alternatively, you can contact your local Medicare office or ask your doctor for guidance. It is important to conduct thorough research, considering factors such as Medicare/Medicaid Certification, Services Offered, Legitimacy, Coverage, and Medicare Advantage when selecting a provider.
Tips for Navigating Medicare Coverage for Visiting Angels Services
Understanding Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services can pose a challenge.
To help ensure you understand your coverage and find the best policy for your needs, consider contacting a Medicare insurance agency.
They can provide guidance on eligibility requirements, coverage limitations, and financial assistance options, making it easier to navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services.
Summary
In conclusion, Medicare may cover Visiting Angels services under specific conditions and with certain limitations. While Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for home health care services, they may not fully cover all the services provided by Visiting Angels.
It is crucial to understand the limitations and exceptions of your specific Medicare plan, and to consider alternative options such as long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and Medicaid home health care if Medicare coverage is insufficient.
We hope this blog post has provided you with a clearer understanding of the relationship between Visiting Angels and Medicare coverage, as well as the alternative options available for financing in-home care services.
By staying informed and considering all available options, you can ensure that you or your loved ones receive the quality care they deserve while maintaining financial peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for in home care in NC?
Yes, Medicare does cover in home care in North Carolina for those who are homebound and need skilled care. This includes up to 100 days of daily care or an unlimited amount of intermittent care.
Will Medicare pay for a walker?
Medicare Part B covers walkers as part of durable medical equipment benefits. Coverage is available every five years, and repairs may be covered up to the cost of replacement if needed. A Medicare-approved supplier must perform any repairs.
How much does visiting Angels cost in California?
Visiting Angels care services in California have an hourly rate of $30-32, with a minimum of nine hours per week and each visit must be at least three hours.
What services does Visiting Angels provide?
Visiting Angels provides personal care, homemaking, transportation and companionship services tailored to meet individual needs.
What are the limitations and exceptions to Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services?
Medicare coverage for Visiting Angels services is limited and exceptions include the requirement for patients to be homebound and a need for skilled care.
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Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.