What Does “Homebound” Mean?

Medicare Criteria For Home Health: What Does “HOMEBOUND” Mean?

Medicare requires that a patient be “homebound” and have a “skilled need” to qualify under Medicare for home health nursing and therapy services. Medicare considers you homebound if:

• You need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave your home.
• Your doctor believes that your health or illness could get worse if you leave your home.

Here are some tips to help you decide if your patient meets Medicare requirements…

Homebound Definition

“Homebound” does NOT mean that a patient has to be “bed-bound” to qualify. The patient is considered “homebound” under Medicare if the patient cannot leave home without “considerable and taxing effort.”

Most patients have an injury or illness that makes it difficult to leave home; for example, if the patient:

• Requires the aid of supportive devices (wheelchair or walker)
• Requires the use of special transportation
• Needs the assistance of another person
• Has a condition where leaving the home is medically contraindicated
• Symptoms of the disease process (such as pain, shortness of breath, or confusion) worsen when leaving the home

Qualified Trips

The patient can leave home for medical treatment (such as chemotherapy or dialysis) or for receiving therapeutic and psychosocial treatment (such as through a certified adult day care program).

The patient cannot be disqualified from services if they leave home for a non-medical absence as long as the absence is “infrequent and short in duration.” Some examples include attending a religious service, a trip to the barber, a special family event, or a walk around the block.