CMS is reminding providers that Medicare covers skilled nursing care and skilled therapy services under the home health benefit when a beneficiary needs skilled care to maintain function or to prevent or slow decline.
The reminder was included in the weekly MLN Connects newsletter on Dec. 2, 2021.
To qualify for skilled care, the beneficiary must require skilled care for the services to be provided safely and effectively, and an individualized assessment of the patient's condition must demonstrate that the specialized judgment, knowledge and skills of a qualified therapist are needed for a safe and effective maintenance program.