The Medicare home health benefit serves millions of Americans and plays a key role in our health care system.

The benefit allows many homebound older adults to get the skilled care they need while remaining in their homes.

ThisSpotlightdescribes Medicare rules for coverage of home health care services, which are complicated and often misunderstood.

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That decision is now pending appeal.

It assessed familiarity, satisfaction, and plan switching.

Health care provider and patient

Mature couple working on family finances at home together. They pay bills, complete income taxes, apply for home loan, investing, or pay off a credit card.

![The mid adult female doctor and her senior adult male patient discuss the home healthcare options listed in the brochure.](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/understanding-medicares-home-health-benefit/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_additional_1/container_2123475527/featuredlist/tabItem/eliminating-access-no-cost-preventive-health-services-affect-older-adults3.coreimg.75.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/ppi/topics/health/coverage-access/no-cost preventive-health-services-report.jpg)

Navigating the Medicare Coverage Maze: Challenges and Policy Solutions

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