What Can I Expect from Mediciad Home Health Care?

With the ever-changing state of the government, it’s no surprise individuals, especially those on Medicaid and in need of additional health care, don’t have the knowledge to understand and receive the care they deserve. While we recommend individuals consult with a knowledgeable Medicaid professional, we are going to outline some of the basics of home health care, one of the many reforms outlined in ObamaCare.

 

Home health care encompasses an extensive scope of health care services, provided in home, after an injury or illness. This health care is generally less expensive, more convenient, and equally effective as care received in a hospital or at a skilled nursing facility. Home health care services, as outlined by Medicare.gov include:

 

• Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound
• Patient and caregiver education
• Intravenous or nutrition therapy
• Injections
• Monitoring serious illness and unstable health status

 

Now that you have an understanding of what home health care is, let’s review what you should expect from these services. Like any service, especially a government service, it’s important to understand what you should be receiving. In order to begin home health care, your doctor must refer you. Once you are referred, you will have a service coordinator from a home health agency, who will meet with you at your home to discuss your needs and obtain information about your health.

 

The coordinator will also speak with your doctor about your care, and throughout the time you receive care, will update your doctor with your progress. A great advantage of having a coordinate for your home health care is the communication. Your coordinator must communicate with you, your doctor, and anyone else who gives you care on a regular basis.

 

The “services” that should be provided by the home health care staff include:

 

• Monitor what you’re eating and drinking.
• Check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
• Make sure you’re taking your prescription and other drugs and any treatments correctly.
• Ask if you’re having pain.
• Check the safety of your home.
• Teach you about your care so you can take care of yourself.

 

While this is a start to explaining what home health care is, with all the changes in Medicaid and even Medicare plans, it is wise to consult a professional with vast Medicaid understanding.

 

Post by Jack Lippmann of Elder Care Services