BCBS Home Health Care Options for Seniors and Families

As a senior or family member caring for a loved one, navigating home health care options can be overwhelming. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers a range of home health care services to support seniors and families.

BCBS provides coverage for skilled nursing care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This can be especially helpful for seniors recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.

Many BCBS plans also include home health care benefits, which can be accessed through a doctor's referral. This ensures that seniors receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.

BCBS home health care services can be tailored to individual needs, whether that's a few hours a week or around-the-clock care.

BCBS plans may cover certain home care services, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific plan.

Skilled nursing care is often covered by BCBS, provided by registered nurses or licensed practical nurses in the home, including services like wound care, medication management, and monitoring of chronic conditions.

Some BCBS plans cover home health aide services, which can include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

BCBS may provide coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy when prescribed by a healthcare provider and administered at home.

Durable medical equipment and supplies needed for home care, such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, or diabetic supplies, are often covered by BCBS.

Hospice care services are available for individuals with terminal illnesses, ensuring comfort and support in their own homes through BCBS.

In some cases, BCBS plans may cover home infusion therapy, which involves administering medication through intravenous (IV) or other means at home.

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To apply for in-home care, you'll typically need to start by contacting your BCBS plan to see what specific requirements they have for pre-authorization or referrals from healthcare providers.

BCBS plans often require pre-authorization or a referral from a healthcare provider to cover home care services, so be sure to ask about these requirements when you reach out.

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You'll need to provide some basic information about your needs and the services you're requesting, such as personal care, homemaking, companionship, or transportation.

Nova Home Care is an established home care agency that can help you navigate the process and connect you with local resources, including family caregivers where applicable.

BCBS plans may have limitations on coverage, such as a maximum number of visits or a specific duration of care, so be sure to understand these limitations before applying.

If you're unsure about how to apply for in-home care or have questions about insurance or Medicaid coverage in your area, Nova Home Care is a great resource to reach out to for guidance and support.

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As a caregiver, you're likely to need support with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and managing medication.

According to BCBS, home health care services can help with these tasks, freeing up time for more important things.

You may need assistance with mobility, such as walking or using a wheelchair, or with activities that require strength, like lifting or transferring.

BCBS home health care can provide skilled nursing services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to help you regain strength and mobility.

Home health care can also support your mental health, providing counseling and therapy to help you cope with stress and anxiety.

BCBS home health care can provide medical social services, helping you navigate the healthcare system and connect with community resources.

Home health care can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you need help with daily tasks or require more intensive medical care.

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If you're eligible for Blue Shield of California's in-home care program, you'll have access to comprehensive home-based care services at no additional cost. These services include medical, behavioral, and social services, as well as 24/7 access to medical professionals, virtually or in person.

You can receive in-home urgent care and have a home-based care provider work with your current primary care physician to coordinate your care. This program is available from providers Altais and ConcertoCare.

Here are the services you can expect from the in-home care program:

In-home care is a great option for those who want to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving medical attention. BCBS plans may cover certain home care services, but the extent of coverage can vary.

You may have access to Blue Shield of California's in-home care program, which offers comprehensive home-based care for eligible members in certain counties in California. This program is available to those aged 18 or older, managing multiple chronic illnesses, or needing extra support to manage their health.

In-home care services covered by BCBS are available through Medicare Advantage plans and are usually offered under the same criteria as Medicare. This means that the home care covered must be both skilled and intermittent, not round-the-clock, indefinite care.

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The Blue Shield of California in-home care program offers convenient services at no additional cost, including medical, behavioral, and social services, as well as 24/7 access to medical professionals, virtually or in person. In-home urgent care is also available.

Here are some of the services you may have access to through the Blue Shield of California in-home care program:

The program is available from providers Altais and ConcertoCare, which are independent of Blue Shield of California.

Choosing the right care setting is a crucial decision that affects the quality of life for your loved one. BCBS plans typically require pre-authorization or a referral from a healthcare provider to cover home care services.

Home care is a great option, and Nova Home Care is an established agency serving clients in five states, offering services that cover personal care, homemaking, companionship, and transportation. They can help arrange in-home care paid for by local and federal institutions.

Consider the proximity to family for visits and the level of medical care provided when choosing a care setting. Selecting the right care setting enhances the quality of life for your loved one and aligns with their personal preferences and medical needs.

Consulting with a geriatric care manager or a social worker specializing in elder care can provide guidance in thinking about the most suitable care setting. They can also offer information about care facilities that may not be available online and assess the level of medical care provided.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan through BCBS, it may cover various home care services.

BCBS often covers skilled nursing care provided by registered nurses or licensed practical nurses in the home, which can include services like wound care, medication management, and monitoring of chronic conditions.

Some BCBS plans may cover home health aide services, which can include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

BCBS may provide coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy when they are prescribed by a healthcare provider and administered at home.

BCBS covers the cost of durable medical equipment and supplies needed for home care, such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, or diabetic supplies.

BCBS often covers hospice care services for individuals with terminal illnesses, ensuring comfort and support in their own homes.

In some cases, BCBS plans may cover home infusion therapy, which involves administering medication through intravenous (IV) or other means at home.

Having a strong support system in place is crucial for caregivers to provide effective care. Engage with local support groups or caregiver networks to get emotional and practical support.

You can search online to find these resources, and community organizations like churches or nonprofit agencies may offer free respite care services or adult day care.

Respite care can be as simple as hiring an in-home companion or scheduling another family member to take over caregiving duties while you take a break.