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What is an in-home Health Risk Assessment?

An in-home Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is a simple health visit that helps you and your care team better understand your overall health. 

During the visit, a licensed health care professional reviews your medical history, medications and current health concerns.

The goal is to identify opportunities to support your health, prevent future issues and connect you with helpful resources. An HRA does not replace visits with your doctor. Instead, it complements the care you already receive and helps ensure you have the support you need to stay as healthy as possible.

Why your Medicare plan may offer an HRA

Your Medicare Advantage plan may offer an in-home HRA to help identify potential health concerns early and connect you with available benefits and services. The information gathered during the assessment can help your care team better understand your needs and recommend programs, preventive services or community resources that can support your health and help you make the most of your Medicare benefits.

When can you do a Health Risk Assessment?

You may be invited to complete an HRA when you first join a Medicare Advantage plan, once a year as part of your plan’s routine outreach or after a major change in your health. It can also be useful if you have recently been in the hospital, started new medications, had a fall, received a new diagnosis or noticed changes in your mobility, memory, mood or ability to manage daily tasks.

If your plan offers an HRA, it is a good idea to consider scheduling it even if you feel well. The visit may help catch small concerns before they become bigger problems and may help your care team understand what support would be most useful to you.

What happens during the visit?

The exact process can vary by plan, but most in-home Health Risk Assessments follow a simple, conversation-based format. The clinician may ask about your medical history, current doctors, prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, recent symptoms, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, emotional well-being and support at home.

They may also check basic health measurements, such as blood pressure, pulse, height and weight. In some cases, the clinician may review your home for safety concerns, answer health-related questions and talk with you about screenings, vaccinations or follow-up care to discuss with your primary care provider.

How to prepare for an in-home HRA

  • Gather your prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
  • Have a list of your doctors, specialists and preferred pharmacy nearby.
  • Write down any recent health changes, falls, hospital visits or new symptoms.
  • Think about questions you want to ask, including concerns about mobility, memory, nutrition or staying safe at home.
  • Consider inviting a caregiver or loved one to join the visit if they help with your care.
Senior man reviewing health documents with at-home nurse

What happens after the assessment?

After the visit, the clinician may share a summary with your health plan and, when appropriate, your doctor. This may help your care team recommend follow-up appointments, medication reviews, care management programs or other plan resources. If the clinician identifies a concern that needs medical attention, they may encourage you to contact your primary care provider.

Remember, an HRA is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, severe injury or another urgent medical concern, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.

Frequently asked questions

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer HRAs at no additional cost to eligible members. Because plan benefits can vary, it is a good idea to confirm any cost details with your plan before scheduling.

Priority Health Medicare Advantage provides one in-home health assessment each year at no cost to members.

No. An HRA does not replace your regular doctor or primary care provider. It is a health review that helps your plan understand your needs and may identify topics to discuss with your doctor.

The length of the visit can vary, but many assessments take about 45 to 60 minutes. Your appointment confirmation may give you a better idea of what to expect.

Yes. If you would like support during the visit, you can usually have a trusted family member, caregiver or friend present. This may be helpful if someone assists with your medications, appointments or daily care.

If the clinician notices something that may need follow-up, they may recommend that you contact your primary care provider or another health care professional. For urgent or emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.

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