1. Requirements prior to July 1, 1981

Following a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days, the doctor may decide that further care can best be given in a homebound patient's home through a participating home health agency (HHA). If the patient requires intermittent skilled nursing care or physical or speech therapy, and otherwise qualifies for home health benefits, they are also eligible to receive certain other home health services. These services include occupational therapy, medical social services, the use of medical supplies and medical appliances, and the part-time services of home health aides.

Hospital insurance can pay for home health visits if a patient's doctor establishes a home health plan within 14 days after discharge from a hospital or participating SNF and the care is for further treatment of a condition which was treated in a hospital or participating SNF.

Under these conditions, Hospital Insurance can pay the full cost of up to 100 home health visits after the start of the benefit period and before the start of another. Payment for these visits can be made for up to 12 months after the most recent discharge from a hospital or participating SNF.