Staying Fit
Yes. Medicare Parts A and B cover physical therapy considered medically necessary to treat an injury or illness, including managing a chronic condition like Parkinson’s disease or aiding recovery from a fall, stroke or surgery. Medicare also covers:
- Occupational therapy, which helps with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating.
- Speech-language pathology, which provides evaluation and treatment to regain and strengthen speech and language skills.
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What inpatient physical therapy does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part A covers inpatient stays in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and some home care, as well as physical therapy at inpatient rehabilitation facilities. It also may cover in-home services if you’re eligible for home care, or services you receive at a skilled nursing facility after a three-day hospitalization.
Your out-of-pocket costs, typically a deductible and coinsurance, depend on the treatment setting, such as inpatient care in a hospital versus at a skilled nursing facility.
What outpatient physical therapy does Medicare cover?
If your doctor or other provider certifies that you need skilled therapy services, Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. But your doctor or therapist must create and regularly review the care plan.
Part B coverage for outpatient physical therapy begins once you’ve met your annual Part B deductible for doctor and outpatient services, which is $240 in 2024. You’ll also pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology services from the following:
- Doctor’s or therapist’s office.
- Hospital outpatient department.
- Outpatient rehabilitation facility.
- Skilled nursing facility if you’re being treated as an outpatient or are ineligible for a Medicare-covered stay.
- Home if a Medicare-certified home health agency provides care and you’re ineligible for Medicare Part A home health benefits.
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