What Is Medicare Home Health Care?

Medicare may cover medical care you receive in your home if you meet certain rules. This care is meant to help you recover from illness or injury and stay safely at home.

Coverage is available through Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B).

Who Can Get Medicare Home Health Care?

You may qualify if ALL of the following apply:

1. 1. You have Medicare Part A or Part B (or both)
   2. Your doctor orders home health care
   3. You need skilled care (nursing or therapy)
   4. Care is part-time or intermittent
   5. You are considered homebound
   6. Care is provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency

Homebound means leaving home is difficult and requires effort or help. You can still leave home occasionally for:

• Medical appointments
• Religious services
• Short family or personal events

What Services Does Medicare Cover?

If medically necessary, Medicare may cover:

• Skilled nursing care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy (speech language pathology)
• Home health aide services
  (only if you’re also receiving skilled care)
• Medical social services (if ordered)
• Medical supplies (such as wound care supplies)

Wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical equipment are covered separately.

What Is NOT Covered?

Medicare does not cover:

• 24-hour or live-in care
• Meals delivered to your home
• Housekeeping or shopping only
• Personal care alone (bathing or dressing) without skilled care

What Will I Pay?

Most people pay $0 for covered home health services. You may pay some costs for medical equipment or non-covered items. Medicare pays the home health agency directly

How Does Care Work?

1. 1. Your doctor creates a plan of care
   2. Care is provided in 30-day periods
   3. Services must be reviewed and approved regularly
   4. Care continues only if it remains medically necessary

Choosing a Home Health Agency

You may choose any Medicare-certified agency in your area if you have Original Medicare. Agencies must meet federal quality standards. Medicare Advantage plans may limit which agencies you can use.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Be informed about your care and costs
• Help make decisions about your care
• Receive respectful and private treatment
• File complaints or appeals

Call our Appointment Hotline at (408) 350-3288, or visit our Appointments page to view available in-person counseling sites throughout Santa Clara County.

This project was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $432,451.00 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Support provided by the California Department of Aging.

CA Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) 1.800.434.0222

Sourcewise 3100 De La Cruz Blvd, Suite 310, Santa Clara, CA 95054

The number of scams reported in 2020 nearly doubled in comparison to previous years. After reviewing the data for 2025, there are different types of scams that are used more than others. While scams for free vacations and winning the lottery are still present, they aren’t nearly as present as some others. One scam that is trending these days is impersonation.

Scammers will pose as government agencies and businesses to take advantage of others. As per the FTC, the top government agencies that scammers disguised themselves as in 2025 were: 

1. DMV/Toll imposters 
2. Social Security Administration 
3. Federal Trade Commission 
4. US Customs and Border Protection
5. IRS 

Toll imposters were the most reported government imposter in 2025 with a significant increase in comparison to previous years. However, social security scams are the leading government imposter scam that people will actually fall victim to.

While similar, business imposters differ from government imposters in which they’ll pretend to be well known businesses. Rather than government entities. Some examples of business imposters can be: 

• Package delivery – will say there is a problem delivering a package you may not have ordered 
• Tech support – will ask for money to fix a nonexistent problem with your computer/phone  
• Jobs/fake recruiters – offer a job and ask that you reach out to them for more info. May ask that you pay for a training or certification

Scams will always be present and they can appear differently as time progresses. There will be different trends in the world like the rise of social media, for example. There can be new scams that others may begin to fall victim to that align with what’s popular in the present. Thus, those scams will be used more than others. Having an understanding that new scams can pop up as time passes, and to be cautious with them, may help keep you safe.

To report suspected scams or fraud, call the Federal Trade Commission at   
(877)-382-4357, from 9 AM-5 PM ET. Or visit reportfraud.ftc.gov 

If you are interested in learning more about protecting yourself against scams, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408)-350-3200, option 1.

Scams can happen in many different ways. They are constantly evolving and reinventing themselves according to what is “trending” in the world. Commonly known scams on the internet like winning prizes or hitting the lottery jackpot are well known. However, there are potentially lesser-known scams out there, which is why you should always be on alert.

Below are a few examples of well-known and current common scams: 

• Text phishing: May appear as a text message asking you to click on a link or list a phone number to call.
• Tech support: May appear as a phone call from someone claiming to be with Microsoft, stating that your computer or electronic device has some sort of problem that needs to be fixed.
• Employment opportunities: May appear as scammers posing as “recruiters” who will seek out individuals and offer positions that make quick and easy money through text messages, emails, or online job postings.
• Impersonation scams: May appear as someone pretending to be a celebrity asking for money, someone claiming to be your friend/loved one in need of help, or impersonating a known agency like FastTrack and threatening you with unpaid fees.
• Online shopping: May appear as a website with unheard of cheap deals. If something appears to be too good to be true, it probably is.

In general, it is good to avoid answering phone calls from unknown numbers and ensure your voicemail is set up and open. If someone is truly trying to reach you, they will leave you a message. When you listen, you can then take the time to identify whether you are dealing with a scam or not. Ignoring suspicious text messages is also helpful.

Following these tips can help go a long way and keep you and your loved ones safe from falling for a scam.

For more information on community resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Heart-healthy • Omega-3 rich • Easy Prep 

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts (halved)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dill or parsley
• Pepper (optional; limit or No salt)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Toss vegetables in olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
• Place salmon fillets on the same tray; drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle herbs.
• Roast 18–20 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and vegetables are soft

Enjoy!  

Social workers make a lasting impact every day. Their dedication strengthens communities by connecting individuals in need to essential resources and support. At Sourcewise, we are proud to recognize their vital role in improving lives and empowering individuals to thrive and lead healthy lives every day. This March, join us in celebrating social workers everywhere in honor of National Social Work Month.

A social worker is a trained professional who helps individuals, families, and communities overcome social, economic, and health challenges. Their mission is to promote well-being and independence by ensuring access to critical services. Social workers wear many hats as advocates, problem-solvers, compassionate guides, and more, who walk alongside clients through some of their most difficult moments.

Social workers provide hands-on support in many ways, including:

• Managing medical care: Coordinating appointments and scheduling follow-ups to ensure clients receive proper care.
• Connecting to resources: Linking clients to food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels, transportation, and other community-based services.
• Housing support: Guiding individuals through applications for affordable housing and rental assistance.

Their work often goes unseen, but their impact is profound, helping people regain stability, independence, and hope.

Our care management programs are designed to support older adults and individuals with disabilities in Santa Clara County. We offer three care management options depending on each client’s unique situation: Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and Linkages. Our dedicated team evaluates each person’s needs and provides ongoing support to ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. Social workers transform lives, and their work reminds us that together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community.

Call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to learn more about what care management options might be available to you and your loved one.  

Since 2023, Sourcewise has partnered with the Veteran Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System to provide the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program to the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Mateo and Monterey.  This program is an alternative to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). VDC provides participants with funds for in-home and community-based services. Ultimately, the hope of the VDC program is that by empowering Veterans to choose their own care, they can remain independent in their own home.

VDC promotes independence by:

• Providing help with in-home care, such as paying a family member for caregiving or employing a caregiver through an in-home care agency.
• Providing approved supplies that are not currently available through traditional VA benefits, such as incontinence supplies.

To determine eligibility, Veterans can inquire by connecting with their social worker at the VA to assess their eligibility and begin the enrollment process. Once deemed eligible and enrolled, Veterans work together with a care advisor to develop a personalized service plan.

For a former Marine, VDC came as a much-needed solution. After describing his health challenges and struggle to afford in-home care, which he needed to continue living safely at home, George W. heard about VDC from his VA social worker. He was approved to receive VDC benefits and worked with the care advisor from Sourcewise to develop a service plan that addressed his unique situation. Through VDC, he was able to get financial support to pay for caregivers, pay the VTA for transportation services, and access community services at Live Oak Adult Day Center. VDC allows George to age more comfortably, and focus on his hobbies, which include solving puzzles, completing memory games, and looking at famous artwork.

For any questions about VDC, contact (669) 230-4290 for assistance with getting connected to the VA to determine eligibility.