Patients and families
Getting started with home health.
Home health care brings skilled nurses and therapists to you after an illness, injury, surgery or hospital stay. Here is how it works.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for home health?
Medicare generally covers home health care when all three of these are true. Private insurance plans set their own rules, and we check eligibility for you.
- Your doctor certifies that you need skilled nursing care or therapy on a part time or intermittent basis.
- Leaving home takes considerable and taxing effort, or requires help from another person or a device like a walker or wheelchair.
- You are under the care of a doctor, with a plan of care that your doctor reviews regularly.
How care begins
From referral to your first visit.
We coordinate with your doctor and your insurance, and keep you informed at every step.
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Step 1: Talk with your doctor
Home health begins with a physician's order. Ask your doctor, hospital or discharge planner to refer you to Starlight, or call us and we will help coordinate.
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Step 2: We confirm your coverage
Our intake team verifies your insurance benefits and answers your questions before care begins.
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Step 3: Your first visit
A clinician visits your home to review your health, home safety and personal goals.
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Step 4: Your plan of care
With your physician, we set a care plan and schedule visits from the right nurses and therapists.
Insurance
Plans we accept.
We accept all Medicare plans, and many PPO and private insurance plans. Not sure if you're covered? Give us a call so we can check your eligibility.
- Medicare
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Humana
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Other PPO and private plans
Your first visit
What to have ready.
Your clinician will review your health, your home and your goals, and answer your questions. Having these items nearby helps the visit go smoothly.
- A current list of medications, including vitamins and supplements
- Insurance and Medicare cards
- Your doctor's name and phone number
- Hospital discharge papers, if you have them
- A family member or caregiver, if you would like support
Do I need a doctor's order for home health?
Yes. Home health services start with an order from your physician. If you do not have one yet, call us. We can contact your doctor's office and help coordinate the referral.
Does Medicare cover home health care?
We accept all Medicare plans. For eligible patients, Medicare Part A and Part B cover home health care, and Medicare generally pays the full cost of covered home health services. Medical equipment may have a 20 percent coinsurance.
Our intake team will confirm your benefits before care begins.
My insurance plan isn't listed. Am I covered?
Our list of accepted plans is only a fraction of the PPO and private insurance plans we work with. If you're not sure you're covered, call us at (818) 849-6044 and we will check your eligibility.
Can I choose my home health agency?
Yes. If you have Medicare, you have the right to choose the home health agency that cares for you. Tell your doctor or discharge planner that you would like Starlight.
What areas do you serve?
We serve patients in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. Call us to confirm service at your address.
What are your hours?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, our team is available on call.
What should I do in an emergency?
For a life threatening emergency, call 911. Current patients can reach their nurse right away by calling the number their care team gave them.
Do you have staff who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Multilingual services are available. Tell us your preferred language when you call, and we will do our best to match you with a clinician who speaks it.
Can my family be involved in my care?
Absolutely. With your permission, family members and caregivers can join visits, ask questions and learn how to help between visits.
Sign up today
Better care starts with you.
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Nurses on call Saturday and Sunday.