Medicare: Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Medicare pays for a limited amount of physical, occupational or speech therapy. The amount of the limits vary from year to year.

After you pay your yearly deductible for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), Medicare pays its share (80%), and you pay your share (20%) of the cost for the therapy services

In 2014, Medicare covers 80% the Medicare-approved amount up to:

• $1,900 worth of physical therapy and speech-language pathology services combined
• $1,900 worth of occupational therapy services

The limits apply to outpatient therapy received at:

• A therapist's or doctor's office
• An outpatient rehabilitation facility
• A skilled nursing facility for outpatients or residents who do not have stays which are covered by Medicare
• Home through therapists who are connected with home health agencies when not otherwise part of a covered Medicare home health benefit.

The limits do not apply to therapy at a hospital's outpatient department.

You can find out how close you are to the limit by looking at your Medicare Summary Notice or by asking your provider.