A loved one’s terminal
analysis is one of the hardest things a family will experience. In addition to
the emotional toll it takes, the loved one in need often needs additional
support and help.
Families can sometimes
delay in setting up much needed care because they are concerned about added costs.
The question of who is responsible for payments for hospice care is one of
the most frequently asked. It may surprise many families to learn that hospice
care is available at little to no cost for the patient.
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Hospice
and palliative care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran’s Health Administration, and most private
insurers. If a patient does not have coverage, Crown Hospice Cape Girardeau will work
with the patient and their family to ensure they receive the support and care they
need.
Medicare Hospice Benefit:
Medicare recipients obtain
medical and support services related to their incurable illness. This includes
the support of a hospice medical director, nursing care and hospice aide
services, social work services and bereavement counselling for the patient and
their family. Patients also receive prescription medication to regulate
symptoms linked to their terminal diagnosis, medical equipment including
wheelchairs or hospital beds and medical supplies like bandages and
incontinence supplies.
Patients are eligible
to receive the Medicare Hospice Benefit if they have Medicare Part A, have been
diagnosed with 6 months or less to live, and have elected to accept comfort
care over curative treatments.
Hospice Care Through Medicaid:
Medicaid is a joint
federal and state program providing free or low-cost health coverage to low
income families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Hospice and palliative
care is covered by Medicaid at no cost to the patient. While some state
Medicaid programs may have slightly different variables for eligibility, the
majority of states have the same requirements for hospice and palliative care
under Medicaid and Medicare. That is a diagnosis of six months or less to live
and the patient must elect to receive comfort care over curative treatments.
Hospice Care Using Private Insurance:
Most private insurance
companies offer full coverage for hospice care. While the majority of private
insurance companies model their hospice coverage after the Medicare Hospice
Benefit, it can vary. A person can contact their insurance provider to ensure that
they comprehend what their insurance will cover and any possible costs
including copays and deductibles.
At Crown Hospice Cape Girardeau, we
are here to offer support and resources to help make end-of-life planning easier.
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