Understanding Medicare Part A vs. Part B: What Seniors Need to Know About In-Home Care Coverage
As seniors explore their options for aging in place, understanding Medicare coverage becomes increasingly important, especially when considering in-home care. At Comfort Keepers, we often hear questions from families trying to make sense of what’s covered and what isn’t. If you or your loved one is seeking home care services in Mentor, OH, it’s helpful to know the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B—and how each may (or may not) support in-home care.
What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers inpatient care, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (under specific conditions), hospice care, and some home health services.
When it comes to in-home care, Part A may cover:
Skilled nursing care at home (e.g., wound care, IV therapy, injections)
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Home health aide services (but only if paired with skilled care and ordered by a physician)
To qualify, the senior must be homebound and under a doctor’s care. Also, the care must be intermittent—Medicare does not cover 24/7 or long-term custodial care through Part A.
What Is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It covers services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care not covered under Part A.
Part B may also cover:
Certain home health services are available when Part A eligibility is not met
Durable medical equipment (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment)
Limited in-home medical services under a care plan approved by a doctor
However, like Part A, Part B does not cover non-medical in-home care, such as help with bathing, grooming, housekeeping, companionship, or meal prep. These are often the very services seniors need most to remain safely and happily at home.
Where Comfort Keepers Comes In
At Comfort Keepers of Mentor, OH, we provide the non-medical support that fills in the gaps left by Medicare. Our home care services in Mentor, OH, are personalized, flexible, and focused on promoting independence, safety, and quality of life.
We offer:
Personal care: Bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility support
Companion care: Social engagement, mental stimulation, and conversation
Meal planning and preparation
Light housekeeping and laundry
Transportation to appointments or errands
Respite care for family caregivers
We also work closely with families to help them understand their care options. While Medicare may not cover everything, we can guide you toward possible supplemental benefits, long-term care insurance, or VA assistance that might help offset costs.
Trusted Home Care Services in Mentor, OH
Comfort Keepers believes seniors deserve to live with dignity and joy in the place they call home. While Medicare Part A and B offer important benefits, they don’t always meet the full scope of a senior’s needs. That’s where we come in.
As part of our commitment to raising awareness about the challenges and importance of senior care, Comfort Keepers is proud to sponsor the PBS documentary Caregiving, a powerful new documentary executive-produced by Bradley Cooper that honors the dedication of caregivers. Caregiving premieres June 24th on PBS, but you can catch it early beginning May 27 on the PBS app, PBS.com, or WellBeings.org.
If your loved one needs day-to-day assistance to thrive at home, Comfort Keepers of Mentor is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our compassionate home care services in Mentor, OH, and how we can support your family in navigating care with confidence.
By: Our Care Team
