What is a key requirement for Medicare to cover home health aide services?

For Medicare to cover home health aide services, a key requirement is that a skilled service must also be provided, such as nursing or physical therapy. This stipulation exists because home health aide services are considered supplemental to skilled care. Medicare typically does not cover home health aide services on their own; rather, they are part of a broader home health care plan that includes medically necessary skilled services.

When skilled care is provided, it demonstrates the need for the home health aide’s assistance with daily activities. Without this tie to skilled care, the rationale for providing home health aide services under Medicare’s guidelines would not be met. Therefore, this requirement ensures that the care being provided is part of a comprehensive approach to the patient's health and recovery.