Medicare Coverage for Non-Medical Care Giving Services

Research suggests that a majority of older adults desire to age in place. While services are available that grant older adults this opportunity, homemaker and personal care services are not covered by Medicare. Additionally, Medicare coverage for home health services is also nonexistent for meal delivery and 24-hour-a-day at home care. Lack of coverage limits the degree to which older adults can live in their own home and community while maintaining their independence and safety forcing them into facilities. Request to increase government spending on non-medical home health care and loosen requirements that would make an individual qualify for government reimbursements to fund non-medical health care costs. This would benefit the elderly, their caregivers and reduce health care costs.