Does Medicare cover in-home physical therapy?

At Luna, this is one of the most frequently asked questions from our patients. The answer is yes! Medicare covers the majority of the cost of a physical therapy session, provided in the comfort of your own home. Even better, those with Medicare and secondary insurance coverage pay no out-of-pocket expenses for in-home physical therapy. Whether you have secondary insurance or not, we've broken down the details for each Medicare scenario so you know exactly what to expect.

We’ll also address common misconceptions about in-home physical therapy and highlight how Luna’s innovative model removes barriers to high-quality care. With insights from Dr. Cliff Wolosiansky, PT, DPT, we'll talk about how in-home physical therapy is more convenient and even more effective for the patient.

First, Luna is a top, on-demand physical therapy business. As such, we're an in-network and fully credentialed Medicare provider. Before we dive in and outline the coverage scenarios in more detail, we want to remind you that all Medicare patients have a deductible of $198 that resets at the beginning of each year. What that means is that the patient must pay the first $198 for any Part B services received. Don't worry, though. Most of our Medicare patients have already met that deductible by the time a Luna physical therapist provides treatments. 

What is In-Home Physical Therapy?

In-home physical therapy — as in the services Luna provides — involves a board-certified physical therapist delivering PT care in person, at your home or work, to provide dedicated, one-on-one care. This approach eliminates the need for patients to commute to a clinic, offering more convenient therapy sessions. At Luna, we specialize in bringing expert care directly to you so you can receive the physical therapy treatment you need in an environment that is familiar and comfortable.

This personalized approach makes therapy more accessible while also contributing to better outcomes. Our therapists can adapt exercises and strategies to your actual environment so that treatment stays practical, functional, and directly applicable to your daily life. This often results in faster progress and a more seamless return to normal activities.

Physical Therapy for Patients with Medicare

For physical therapy, Medicare requires a signed plan of care. It's easy: your Luna therapist creates a plan of care during your first visit to align with your needs and recovery goals, and then the Luna team works with your doctor to get it approved. You'll need a new plan of care established every 90 days or ten visits, whichever is sooner.

As far as costs are concerned, Medicare covers 80% of your physical therapy session. If you do not have secondary coverage, you'll be responsible for the remaining 20%, usually only $20-$25.

Physical Therapy for Patients with Medicare and Secondary Insurance

If you have Medicare as well as secondary insurance, then you'll have no out-of-pocket expenses. As you know, Medicare pays 80% of the bill. Your secondary insurance picks up the remaining 20%, resulting in $0 responsibility from you. Over 95% of our patients have both Medicare and secondary insurance coverage, so they pay nothing for their in-home physical therapy sessions with Luna. 'Free' is a fantastic price to pay for such high-quality care!

Physical therapy patients with Medicare Advantage

For those patients with Medicare Advantage, the same rules mentioned above apply, except they would pay a small, $20 co-pay. The Luna team can verify your benefits to confirm exact costs and coverage.

Overcoming Misconceptions About In-Home Physical Therapy

Many patients hesitate to explore in-home physical therapy due to some lingering misconceptions. Here are the most common myths, along with facts that set the record straight:

• Misconception 1: In-Home Physical Therapy Must Be Expensive

It’s natural to assume that having a physical therapist come directly to your home might come with a pretty large price tag. When you also factor in savings from reduced travel costs, parking fees, and your personal time, in-home therapy becomes an easy choice.

• Misconception 2: The Quality of Care is Lower at Home

Some patients worry that receiving physical therapy at home might not meet the same standards as clinic-based care. On the contrary, in-home therapy can be even more effective because sessions are tailored to your personal environment, and your therapist is solely focused on your case. Luna’s therapists focus entirely on you during each session, unlike busy outpatient clinics where therapists might need to divide their attention among multiple patients.

• Misconception 3: In-Home Physical Therapy is Only for More Severe Cases

In-home therapy is not just for individuals with significant mobility issues. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking convenience, personalized care, or flexibility. Whether recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or rehabilitating after an injury, in-home physical therapy can help you reach your goals without the hassle of traveling to a clinic, all while being included in your Medicare coverage.

The Convenience of In-Home Physical Therapy

One of the biggest advantages of in-home physical therapy is the convenience it offers. Having a therapist visit your home eliminates obstacles like transportation, traffic, and bad weather. Patients appreciate the flexibility of scheduling and how it seamlessly fits into their lives.

In addition to eliminating logistical challenges, in-home therapy allows therapists to work with patients in their actual living spaces.

• Fall Prevention. This allows therapists to better identify potential hazards in your home and recommend modifications to improve safety and faster recovery.
• Functional Training. Practicing real-world activities and exercises, like climbing stairs or navigating tight spaces, enhances recovery and connects your course of care to your daily life and routines.
• Comfort and Privacy. Being at home creates a more relaxed atmosphere, contributing to better focus and positive results during your therapy sessions.
• Time Efficiency. Without the need to travel to a clinic, you’ll save valuable time that can be used to focus on your recovery or other important aspects of your life, instead of a multi-hour commitment for traveling and sitting in waiting rooms.
• Reduced Fatigue. For patients with mobility challenges or chronic pain, avoiding the stress and strain of transportation means you can conserve energy for their therapy sessions and healing —and especially prevent exacerbating your pain.

Why Choose Luna for In-Home Physical Therapy

Luna isn’t your traditional physical therapy provider. We’re revolutionizing the way we give high-quality care by bringing physical therapy directly to you. Here’s why so many patients with Medicare love Luna:

Luna matches you with a licensed therapist who provides consistent, one-on-one care. This approach ensures that your therapy plan is customized to your unique needs and goals. Your therapist takes the time to understand your challenges and works closely with you to develop a recovery plan tailored to your lifestyle so you get the most from your treatment plan and experience a quick recovery.

With Luna, you can schedule sessions at times that work for you. There are no waitlists and you can even schedule with just a few hours’ notice —no need to rearrange your day or worry about transportation. Whether you prefer early mornings, evenings, or weekends, Luna offers the flexibility to easily fit physical therapy into your life. This adaptability lets you focus on your recovery without compromising your daily commitments.

Luna verifies your Medicare and secondary insurance benefits in less than a minute. Most patients discover their care is fully covered, and those with co-pays find the costs manageable and predictable. Luna’s transparent approach means no surprise fees, giving you peace of mind as you focus on your health.

Our Medicare patients consistently report high satisfaction with Luna’s services, citing both the quality of true, one-on-one care and the convenient, time-saving benefits of receiving therapy at home. Luna therapists use evidence-based techniques while tracking your recovery between sessions with advanced tools and monitored, in-app exercises to ensure measurable improvements. Many patients find that they achieve their recovery goals faster compared to traditional outpatient PT settings.

Luna’s commitment goes beyond just the therapy sessions. Our team is available to answer questions, coordinate with your physicians, and provide ongoing guidance throughout your recovery journey. This holistic support ensures that you feel empowered and informed every step of the way. You’re not alone in your recovery, and our therapists are there to help you navigate your recovery and regain your independence.

Do I Need a Referral or Prescription to See a Luna Physical Therapist Covered Under Medicare?

No, you do not need a referral or prescription to begin in-home physical therapy with Luna under Medicare. Medicare offers direct access to physical therapy services, meaning you can schedule an appointment with a licensed Luna therapist without first visiting your primary care physician or specialist for a referral. That being said, your PT will still work with you to communicate your progress with your primary care provider.

During your initial session, your Luna PT will evaluate your condition and create a personalized plan of care tailored to your recovery goals. This plan is then shared with your doctor for approval, ensuring that your treatment meets Medicare requirements. The entire process is seamless and easy, designed to make accessing high-quality care as simple as possible for you.

This direct access model saves you time and removes unnecessary steps, allowing you to begin your recovery journey without delay. Getting the care you need should never have to wait! It’s one of the many ways Luna prioritizes patient convenience and ensures you receive high-quality care without excess barriers.

How Do I Find Out If I'm Covered?

If you’re considering in-home physical therapy, but you have more questions or you're not sure if you're covered through Medicare, Luna makes it easy to find out. Call our team at 866-806-3599, and we can instantly verify your benefits, usually in 30 seconds or less. It's worth picking up the phone, as most of our patients discover that their care is completely covered.

Once your benefits are verified, scheduling your first session is just as simple. A licensed Luna therapist will come to your home, create a plan of care, and get you started on the path to recovery. There’s no paperwork, no waiting rooms, and no stress — just high-quality care delivered directly to you.

Getting Started with In-Home Physical Therapy with Luna

In-home physical therapy combines convenience, affordability, and personalized care in a way that traditional clinics simply can’t match. In this video, one of our Medicare patients told us, "When the Luna therapist comes, I open the door, and I see my miracle." Will you be next to experience a ‘miracle’? There's only one way to find out.

Schedule your appointment today, and discover why so many Medicare patients are choosing in-home physical therapy with Luna.