Medicare Guide
What does “homebound” mean for Medicare home health?
Homebound does not mean a person can never leave home. In general, leaving must be difficult, require help or equipment, or be medically inadvisable—and leaving normally takes considerable effort.
The essentials
What to know first.
- Supportive devices, special transportation, or another person’s help may be needed.
- Short or infrequent absences may still be permitted.
- Medical appointments do not automatically disqualify someone.
- The ordering provider documents the individual situation.
Important: Only the appropriate provider and payer can determine whether the requirement is met.