This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program.
H
Health care provider
A person or organization that's licensed to give health care. Doctors, nurses, and hospitals are examples of health care providers.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
The "Standard for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (also called the "Privacy Rule")" of HIPPA assures your health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high quality health care and to protect the public's health and well being.
High-deductible Medigap policy
A type of Medigap policy that has a high deductible but a lower premium. You must pay the deductible before the Medigap policy pays anything. The deductible amount can change each year.
Homebound
To be homebound means:
- Leaving your home isn't recommended because of your condition
- Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (like using a wheelchair or walker, needing special transportation, or getting help from another person)
- Leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort.
You may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, like attending religious services. You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care.
Home health agency
An organization that provides home health care.
Home health care
Health care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered by your doctor.
Hospice
A special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. Hospice also provides support to the patient's family or caregiver.
Hospital care (inpatient)
Treatment you get in an acute care hospital, critical access hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facility, long-term care hospital, inpatient care as part of a qualifying research study, and mental health care.
Hospital outpatient setting
A part of a hospital where you get outpatient services, like an emergency department, observation unit, surgery center, or pain clinic.
Hospital-related medical condition
Any condition that was treated during your qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay, even if it wasn't the reason you were admitted to the hospital.
Note
This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it isn't a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings.