Is supplemental home parenteral nutrition (HPN) typically covered at home by Medicare?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only for ESRD

Answer: (B)

Medicare does not routinely cover home supplemental parenteral nutrition. Coverage under Medicare’s home health benefits hinges on services provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency, for a homebound patient, and for skilled nursing or therapy services. Long-term, home-based parenteral nutrition is not typically categorized as a billable home health service, so it isn’t usually paid for by traditional Medicare. There may be rare exceptions through alternate payer sources (private insurance or Medicaid, and specific facility-based arrangements), but the standard situation is that home PN isn’t covered by Medicare.