If you are on Medicare, you are probably well aware that it covers certain types of medical care such as office visits, routine screenings, and outpatient services. But what happens if you come down with a medical condition or you get injured, but you're not necessarily sick enough to be in the hospital? You'll be glad to know that by having Medicare, there are some things that are covered so that you will be able to receive some treatment at home.

Here are some types of home health care covered by Medicare.

Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy

These types of services fall under the category of skilled therapy services. In order to be covered by Medicare, these types of therapies need to be provided by a therapist who is licensed, or by someone that works under the supervision of a licensed therapist.

These therapists help with the following:

• A licensed physical therapist can help you regain your strength and give you exercises that can help improve range of motion and gross motor skills.
• A licensed occupational therapist can help you regain fine motor skills so that you can once again do things like feed yourself and get dressed.
• A licensed speech therapist can help regain any language abilities you may have lost.

These types of services can be especially beneficial if you have had a stroke, had major surgery, or suffered another type of illness or injury that caused you to lose some of your mobility or ability to do things on your own.

Durable Medical Equipment

Sometimes certain injuries or illnesses cause you to lose mobility or the use of a part of your body. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe certain types of durable medical equipment that can be used either temporarily or on a permanent basis.

Some examples of durable medical equipment covered by Medicare includes:

• Power and manual wheelchairs
• Crutches and walkers
• Home oxygen and supplies
• Infusion pumps and supplies

This type of medical equipment must be deemed medically necessary. Medicare will not cover durable medical equipment that is said to be used for the purpose of providing comfort. Some examples of this type of equipment would be grab bars and massage devices. If modifications need to be made to your home to accommodate a wheelchair, be aware that Medicare will not cover this either.

Whether you need to have a licensed therapist come into your home, or you need durable medical equipment, you'll be glad to know these types of home health care are covered by Medicare.