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Hospice is often feared because of the unknown. Instead, we see Hospice as a blessing because it provides the opportunity for people facing a life-limiting illness the freedom to live their days by offering comfort, dignity, quality of life, and time. For hospice services, there is no cost to patients if they qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, as well as by most Medicaid and commercial insurances.

Hospice is also the most underutilized of all Medicare benefits. There are many benefits for Medicare recipients, and we will work with you to ensure you understand and receive your benefits. We encourage you to work with our Social Worker to help you understand your benefits.

Based on information from CMS, https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care:

To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. When you agree to hospice care, you agree to comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your illness. You also must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other benefits Medicare covers to treat your terminal illness and related conditions. Coverage includes:

• All items and services needed for pain relief and symptom management
• Medical, nursing, and social services
• Drugs for pain management
• Durable medical equipment for pain relief and symptom management
• Aide and homemaker services
• Other covered services you need to manage your pain and other symptoms, as well as spiritual and grief counseling for you and your family.
• Medicare-certified hospice care is usually given in your home or another facility where you live, like a nursing home.

Your costs in Original Medicare

• You pay nothing for hospice care.
• You pay a copayment of up to $5 for each prescription for outpatient drugs for pain and symptom management. In rare cases, the hospice benefit doesn't cover your drug. Your hospice provider should contact your plan to see if Part D covers it.
• You may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.

To qualify for Medicare coverage:

• The patient must be 65 years old or older.
• The patient currently receives Social Security benefits or is enrolled in the railroad retirement system.
• The patient is younger than 65 years old and has received Social Security disability benefits for at least two years (24 months).
• The patient suffers from permanent kidney failure.

As healthcare professionals, we ensure that our teams wear protective masks, gloves, shoe covers, and gowns. Each team member completes a COVID questionnaire daily and will not enter a home if they have any. They have been instructed on hand-washing and will ensure that all precautions are taken.