Home care is health care you receive in your home. The purpose is to help you manage your health or recover from illness or injury when traveling to receive care is not an option.

Many people confuse home care with personal care assistance. Home care is rehabilitation and skilled nursing services that a doctor orders.

Personal care assistance typically includes help around the house and light meal prep. Sometimes people who need home care also need personal care assistance. Medicare covers home care 100%. Personal care assistance is usually paid out of pocket, and it is not offered by HealthPartners and Park Nicollet.

We often hear from family members and friends who are seeking care on behalf of someone else. If someone you care for needs home care, we’d be happy to help.
Please call us at 952-883-6875.

A nurse or therapist will usually come to your home within 48 hours of your application to discuss your needs. They’ll begin by asking about your medical needs and other support and personal assistance that may be required.

We are a Medicare- and Medicaid-certified and state-licensed agency. If you or someone you care for meets the eligibility requirements and the home care program is approved by Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid should cover the following services for a defined period of time:

• Intermittent (or part-time) skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy or continued occupational therapy
• Home health aide (with ongoing skilled services  like physical, speech and occupational therapy, also provided)
• Medical social services (with ongoing skilled services)
• Medical supplies, such as dressings and catheter supplies (with ongoing skilled services)

Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card or our CareLine nurses any time at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 for help looking at your options.

Don't have your card in front of you? Here are member services numbers to help you get started:

• HealthPartners: 800-883-2177
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000
• CIGNA: 800-244-6224 (insurance through work); 866-494-2111 (insurance directly or through the Exchange)
• Medica: 800-952-3455
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• PreferredOne: 763-847-4477
• United Healthcare: 877-842-3210

If you have a private Medicare health plan, check with your plan to see which home health care services are covered. In general, services not covered by Medicare include:

• 24-hour care at home
• Meal delivery
• Homemaker services (cleaning, laundry, shopping)
• Personal or custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom)