Q: How does Medicare determine how much it will pay toward home care?

A: Medicare pays home health agencies a predetermined base payment that is adjusted for the health condition and care needs of the patient as well as for geographic wage differences. The patient’s condition and needs are assessed every 60 days by the home health agency using Medicare’s outcome assessment and information set (OASIS). If treatment extends beyond the initial 60 days, payments are adjusted according to the outcome of the OASIS in 60-day increments.

To see other questions and answers from the February 2011 issue of Senior Digest, click here.