You may have heard of long-term care insurance, but may be unsure whether it can cover in-home healthcare services such as skilled nursing, home health aides, and other home caregivers. The cost of these services only continues to increase over time, which also increases the need for financial assistance through the right coverage. Fortunately, many long-term care insurance policies are designed to cover home health care.
An independent insurance agent can help you find the right long-term care insurance policy. They'll make sure you get a policy that covers all the home healthcare services you need. But first, here's an overview of how long-term care insurance covers senior care and home healthcare.
Key Takeaways - Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Home Healthcare?
- Long-term care insurance can cover the cost of home health care services if they're needed for an extended period of time.
- Home healthcare services can include skilled nursing, occupational therapy, wound care, and more.
- Short-term home healthcare services may be covered by Medicare or health insurance.
- Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can help you evaluate your coverage options for home healthcare to find the right policy.
Table of Contents
Q. What Is Home Healthcare?
Q. Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Home Healthcare?
Q. Who Qualifies for Home Healthcare?
Q. What's the Difference Between Home Healthcare and Home Care?
Q. How Much Does Home Healthcare Cost?
Q. Does Medicare Cover Home Healthcare?
Q. What Are the Benefits of Home Healthcare?
Q. How Do I Choose a Home Healthcare Provider?
Q. How Can I Find Home Healthcare Near Me?
Q. How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Help?
What Is Home Healthcare?
Home healthcare refers to professional medical and personal care that's provided in a patient's home. These services are intended for individuals recovering from an illness, disease, or surgery, or those who are managing chronic conditions and prefer to stay in their familiar, comfortable environment. Some common home healthcare services include the following:
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Wound care and medication management
- Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)
These services can be expensive without coverage. That's why having the right long-term care insurance policy is essential.
Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Home Healthcare?
Yes, long-term care (LTC) insurance can cover home health care services. However, these services typically must be needed for an extended period of time to qualify for coverage. Typically, this time period is 12 months or longer.
Shorter durations of home health care may be covered by other types of health insurance or even Medicare. An independent insurance agent can help you review your options for home health care coverage, including long-term care insurance.
Who Qualifies for Home Healthcare?
Typically, a physician prescribes home health care for various types of individuals who need additional assistance in caring for themselves. These can include the following:
- People who are homebound (i.e., leaving home requires effort or assistance)
- People who need intermittent skilled nursing or therapy
- People who have a doctor’s certification for home care
If you qualify for home health care, you can help pay for these services with private long-term care insurance. Medicare often doesn't cover the cost of long-term home health care. Other types of health insurance also typically exclude long-term services.
What's the Difference Between Home Healthcare and Home Care?
There's a distinct difference between these terms, even though they are very similar.
- Home healthcare: This refers to medical services provided in the patient's home by nurses, therapists, etc.
- Home care: This refers to non-medical assistance offered in someone's home, such as companionship or help with daily tasks.
For those who need medical supervision, home health care is the best option. However, if they only need assistance with daily living, home care may be enough.
Depending on the specifics of your policy, your long-term care insurance might provide coverage for both home healthcare and home care. Ask your independent insurance agent to review your policy's terms with you to be certain of what's covered.
How Much Does Home Healthcare Cost?
The average cost of home healthcare depends on your location and the type of service you need. Here are some average rates for various types of home healthcare in 2026.
- Simple personal in-home care: $30/hour
- Skilled nursing: $50-$130/hour
- Specialized wound care or IV management: Up to $150/hour
- Overnight and specialized care: $200-$350/day
Many people pay an average of $4,000-$5,040 per month for home health care services. Having long-term care insurance can help reduce these costs significantly. Medicare may also pay for some home health care services.
Does Medicare Cover Home Healthcare?
Yes, Medicare can cover some types of home healthcare. However, you'll need to meet certain requirements. These can include the following:
- Being under a doctor's care
- Needing skilled nursing or therapy services
- Being homebound
The home health agency must also be Medicare-certified for coverage to apply. In many cases, Medicare can cover 100% of approved services. However, Medicare typically won't cover 24-hour care or personal assistance that's unrelated to medically necessary treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Home Healthcare?
Home healthcare can offer people the feeling of independence and comfort within their own homes. These services offer personalized one-on-one care and reduce hospital readmissions. Further, home healthcare provides cost-effective treatments compared to inpatient care in many cases and can support family caregivers.
How Do I Choose a Home Healthcare Provider?
You'll want to take several factors into consideration when selecting your home health agency, such as the following:
- Licensing and accreditation (i.e., Medicare-certified, state-licensed)
- Experience and reputation, dictated by online reviews
- Specialties offered (e.g., wound care, Alzheimer’s, post-surgery recovery)
- Care coordination with your doctor or hospital
You can try searching online for the "best home health care near me." From there, you can compare local providers' criteria and reviews. You'll be able to find each facility's certifications and list of services offered.
How Can I Find Home Healthcare Near Me?
Finding local home health care providers is easy when you use Medicare's Home Health Compare tool online. You can also do a quick online search for "home healthcare near me" or try asking your doctor or hospital discharge planner for recommendations. Friends and family members may also have recommendations that can help you find the best provider.
How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Help?
Independent insurance agents can help you find the right coverage to pay for home healthcare services. They have access to multiple long-term care insurance companies, so they're free to shop and compare policy options and quotes for you to find the best deal.
They'll make sure you walk away with a policy that includes all the coverage you need from a reputable carrier. And down the road, your agent can help you file LTC insurance claims and update your coverage when necessary.
Sources
https://arhomecare.com/how-much-does-private-home-care-really-cost-your-2025-price-guide
