Medicare Coverage of Home Health Care

The Obama administration has proposed a settlement in a nationwide Medicare class-action lawsuit. It would allow thousands of U.S. residents with chronic conditions or disabilities to qualify for Medicare coverage of home health care services, reports The New York Times. The administration agreed to change Medicare rules to cover skilled nursing and therapy services when they are needed to maintain the patient’s current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration. The changes would apply to the traditional Medicare program as well as private Medicare Advantage plans. More than 10,000 beneficiaries whose claims were denied before Jan. 18, 2011 when the lawsuit was filed are expected to benefit as their claims would be re-examined under the new standards, the Times reports. The changes are expected to generate savings because fewer patients would need to depend on hospitals and nursing homes for physical therapy and similar services.