During a Medicare annual wellness visit, your healthcare professional may include a Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment. This helps healthcare professionals determine whether there are nonmedical aspects of your life that may affect your treatment. It also allows them to refer you to appropriate services and support.

This assessment may lead to a home safety assessment, which you may also have if you need in-home care following illness or injury.

Home safety assessments assess certain aspects of your home that may affect your treatment or recovery. The person doing the assessment will look for potential hazards in the house. This may include things that require changes or repairs.

Some of what they may look for includes the following:

  • Is the house well lit?
  • Is the house cluttered in a way that can increase the risk of a fall?
  • Is there mail, trash, or recycling piling up?
  • Are there any tripping hazards inside or outside the house?
  • Have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms been installed?
  • Are there grab bars near the toilet and in the tub or shower?
  • Are there safety nobs and an automatic shut-off on the stove?
  • Is there enough food in the fridge? Has any of it spoiled?
  • Are there secure locks on the doors and windows?
  • Is there adequate lighting outside?

Medicare may cover home safety assessments when they’re deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional as part of a health risk assessment.

Medicare Part A may cover the assessment if you’ve been in the hospital with injury or illness and require in-home care during your recovery. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans will also generally cover home safety assessments.

According to Medicare, these assessments should be completed by an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional. It should also ensure that the following conditions apply:

  • The focus of the assessment is on the beneficiary’s risk of falls or injuries and identifying how falls can be prevented.
  • Any bathroom safety devices that are installed should be appropriate for the beneficiary’s home, considered necessary by the assessor to help prevent injury, and approved by the beneficiary.
»Learn more: Medicare coverage