Does Medicare Cover Support at Home?
What Medicare actually covers | Example scenarios
Posted 28th October 2025 | 5 minute read
Written by Jesse Gramenz
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You’re finally convinced to get some help. You're going through the process. You ring the GP, talk to My Aged Care, and start doing the homework.
Somewhere in the middle of it all, someone says, "Medicare might cover it."
Sounds hopeful, right?
But in aged care, just because something seems right, doesn’t mean it’s true. And when it comes to Medicare and home support, the reality is more complicated than most families expect.
Medicare is your medical safety not, not your aged care safety net
Medicare does a good job in emergencies—broken bones, hospital stays, GP visits. But when it comes to the daily, quiet work of keeping someone safe at home? It’s just not built for that.
If your parent needs someone to help them get dressed, keep the house clean, or just check in each day, Medicare won’t foot the bill. Those are considered aged care needs, not medical ones. And aged care support flows through an entirely different system.
It’s a common mix-up. Families often expect Medicare to step in when Mum needs help cooking or Dad struggles with the shower. But the support you imagine just isn’t part of the Medicare package.
What Medicare actually covers (and what it doesn’t)
Medicare can help in a few areas—but it’s limited:
Covered by Medicare | Not Covered by Medicare |
GP home visits (if the doctor offers them) | Ongoing personal care (e.g., showering, dressing) |
Up to 5 allied health sessions per year (via a GP care plan) | Domestic help (e.g., cleaning, laundry, gardening) |
Some telehealth consultations | Meal delivery services |
Nursing care in some cases (e.g., post-op wound care with GP referral) | Transport or social support |
| Equipment like walkers, shower chairs, or bed rails (may be subsidised elsewhere) |
These gaps mean families often assume more will be covered than actually is.
Even when a GP writes a referral, you may still face out-of-pocket costs. Allied health sessions often require gap fees. And ongoing support? That comes through the aged care system, not Medicare.
Note: For further information regarding allied health gap fees, check in with your health provider to see whether it can be bulk billed or paid out of pocket.
Read on:
- How Many Hours Can You Get from Level 1 to Level 8 Support at Home Funding?
- What You Can (And Can’t) Spend Your Funding On
- Are You Eligible for Support at Home?
What people think Medicare covers
It's easy to assume Medicare works like a safety net. But when it comes to daily care, it's the aged care system that’s going to do most of the heavy lifting.
Common assumptions vs. reality:
- Assumption: Medicare will pay for a nurse to visit regularly.
- Reality: Only short-term or post-hospital care may be covered, and only with a GP referral.
- Assumption: Medicare includes help with cleaning, cooking, or shopping.
- Reality: None of these are covered. You’ll need to access them through aged care programs or pay privately.
- Assumption: If Mum needs physio, Medicare will cover it.
- Reality: Medicare covers up to 5 allied health visits per year under a care plan—but only if your GP deems it necessary, and often with gap fees.
- Assumption: Mobility aids like walkers or shower chairs are included.
- Reality: Medicare doesn’t cover equipment. Some state programs or aged care packages may offer subsidies, but not through Medicare. Equipment can be funded by Support at Home funding, but it requires an assessment.
The system is complex—and that complexity makes it harder for families to plan and prepare. It’s no wonder to us that misconceptions crop up. But understand the system better now and save yourself some hassle down the track.
Other government support for home care
When Medicare falls short, there are other government programs that may help—though they often come with their own processes and wait times.
Here are some key options:
- State-based aids and equipment schemes:
- Some states offer help with mobility aids and home modifications.
- Check your state health department for eligibility.
- Carer Gateway:
- Offers counselling, respite, and financial support for unpaid carers.
- Run by the Australian Government.
Speak with My Aged Care or a local assessor to explore what mix of programs may be available to your family.
Real-world scenarios: How families are filling the gaps
Family | Situation | What they did |
Sarah & her mum Jean | Jean was discharged after surgery but needed help at home. Medicare covered only a few nurse visits. | Sarah arranged private personal care and domestic help while waiting for Support at Home funding. |
Tom & his dad Bill | Bill has dementia and needs supervision, but isn't eligible for higher-level support yet. | Tom hired a private companion to sit with Bill during work hours. |
Leila & her husband Hamid | Hamid needed physio and cleaning help after a fall. Medicare covered 5 physio sessions. | Leila paid out-of-pocket for extra physio and weekly domestic help. |
Mei & her aunt Joyce | Joyce lives alone and struggles with mobility. Medicare didn't cover home safety modifications. | Mei used local council services and bought a shower chair and ramp privately. |
The hidden costs families face
No one likes to talk money when care is the priority—but it matters.
When Medicare doesn’t foot the bill, the costs fall on families.
Here’s where the money often goes:
- Private carers: $120–$230/hr for personal support
- Physio or allied health: $220–$360/session (after rebates)
- Medical equipment: $200+ for shower chairs, walkers, ramps
And if you’re waiting for a government support? You might be waiting months. The interim gap can feel like a crisis.
One family shared: "Mum qualified for help but nothing arrived for 9 months. We paid privately just to keep her safe."
Another carer said: "We burned through savings before the Home Care Package kicked in. Nobody warned us."
Action checklist: Steps you can take now
- 📞 Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 to start the assessment process. Start early! You don’t want to make decisions when you’re stressed and exhausted.
- 📝 Book a GP visit: Ask about a Chronic Disease Management Plan for allied health support.
- 🔍 Find local providers: Search online or ask your GP/community centre for reputable private care services.
- 💬 Talk to your family: Discuss finances, support options, and who can help with what.
- 💡 Write a care plan: List what support your parent needs now—and what might be needed soon.
Parting thoughts
If you’re tired of being the coordinator, the cleaner, the cook and the comforter—you’re not alone. This system asks too much, too often. And still, you show up.
Medicare wasn’t designed for aged care.
That doesn’t mean help isn’t out there. But it means knowing where to look, and planning for the gaps.
If you or your parent needs help at home, start with My Aged Care. Understand what they qualify for. Ask about waitlists. Ask what’s not included. And prepare for the reality that some support may need to be paid for privately.
📞 Need a Hand?
The team at St Vincent’s Care can walk you through the process, explain what you’re eligible for and help you plan your services. A quick chat can save hours of frustration and give you confidence about your next steps.
Call us today on 1800 960 223
