Medicare announced this week that it will begin covering extended home-based physical therapy services starting in July. This change aims to improve access for people aged 65 and older who have mobility challenges or chronic conditions that make regular travel to outpatient clinics difficult.
Previously, Medicare limited home physical therapy to a maximum of three visits per week, with many patients capped at fewer visits. The new policy extends coverage to allow up to five home therapy visits per week when medically necessary. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) say the expansion will help reduce hospital readmissions and support recovery after surgery or illness.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping older adults maintain strength, balance, and independence. For many, traveling to a clinic multiple times a week can be a major hurdle, especially after hospitalization or during flare-ups of conditions such as arthritis or stroke. By making it easier to receive therapy at home, the change promises to support ongoing rehabilitation and prevent complications.
Dr. Elaine Matthews, a geriatric specialist at the University of Michigan, explains that “access to consistent therapy is vital for many older adults. Interruptions in care can lead to loss of function and increased risk of falls. The expanded coverage acknowledges these needs and offers a practical way to sustain recovery efforts.”
The new policy also comes as healthcare providers increasingly adopt home health services to manage costs and improve patient comfort. Medicare data shows a growing number of patients receiving care at home, reflecting broader trends toward minimizing hospital stays and outpatient visits.
Advocates for older adults have long pushed for more flexible home health rules. Organizations like the National Council on Aging emphasize that increased therapy can delay or prevent institutional care, preserving quality of life. Still, some providers worry about the administrative burden tied to authorizing extended visits and ensuring payment accuracy.
Financially, the change does not increase out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries beyond existing copayments and deductibles. However, more therapy visits could lead to higher total expenses within the Medicare program. CMS officials say the benefits of improved health outcomes and fewer hospitalizations should offset these costs over time.
Patients will need a physician’s prescription specifying the medical necessity for the higher frequency of home therapy. Medicare-certified therapists will continue to perform assessments and tailor treatment plans appropriate to each patient’s condition. Coordination between primary care doctors, therapists, and home health agencies remains essential.
This policy update signals a shift toward more patient-centered care in the Medicare home health benefit. While many details will emerge as providers adjust to the new rules, the expansion highlights growing awareness of the challenges that mobility-limited older adults face in accessing rehabilitation.
For people aged 65 and older managing recovery or chronic impairments, extended home physical therapy could offer a meaningful improvement in maintaining independence and daily functioning. As Medicare modifies coverage to meet these needs, it will be important to monitor how changes affect care quality and patient experience in the months ahead.
