My mom is going to need nursing care when she returns from her nursing home stay. How does Medicare's home health care benefit work?

Medicare Part A will pay for home health services for as long as your mother is eligible and the doctor says she needs the service. However, you should be aware that there are limits on the number of hours per day and days per week that she can receive skilled nursing services. The services she can receive will be intermittent, not full time.

Currently the limit is seven hours per day up to a maximum of 35 hours per week. She will be eligible for skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech...