Who it fits
Someone who needs nursing or therapy at home, usually after a hospital stay, on a doctor's order.
How California regulates it
Home health agencies are licensed by the California Department of Public Health and certified by Medicare. Medicare rates patient-care quality from one to five stars when an agency has enough patients to measure.
How it is paid for
Medicare usually pays in full for eligible patients who are homebound and need skilled care. Medi-Cal and private insurance also cover it.
What to check
- That the agency is Medicare-certified and takes your plan
- Which services it provides: nursing, physical, occupational or speech therapy
- How soon the first visit can happen after discharge
- Its Medicare quality rating and how long it has been certified
Largest cities
- Glendale 383
- Van Nuys 274
- Burbank 234
- Los Angeles 143
- North Hollywood 106
- Sherman Oaks 84
- Encino 78
- Pasadena 76
- Woodland Hills 58
- Northridge 56
- Tarzana 52
- San Diego 45
Compare with related options
Home care Non-medical help at home: personal care, companionship, meals, errands. 2,236 in California Hospice Comfort-focused care near the end of life, at home or in a facility. 1,913 in California Nursing homes 24-hour nursing care for long stays or short rehab stays after a hospital visit. 1,165 in California