RubyWell: Continuing Home Health, Family Caregivers, and the Law

The Jimmo v. Sebelius case was a landmark lawsuit that resulted in a significant clarification of Medicare coverage standards. The case challenged the unofficial “improvement standard” used by Medicare, which required beneficiaries to show medical or functional improvement to qualify for coverage of certain types of care, particularly skilled nursing care and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This case has had profound implications for patients with chronic conditions, disabilities, or those who have plateaued in their treatment.

Key areas to explore:

• The promise: Jimmo vs. Sebelius opens new pathways to home health careThe law: What Medicare home health actually covers
• The reality: Why access to home health remains limited
• The potential: Family caregivers trained as certified home health aides