What is Hospice
Hospice care services are provided by a team of healthcare professionals who maximize comfort for patients who are terminally ill by reducing pain and addressing psychological, social and, spiritual needs.
Hospice Eligibility
In order to be eligible to elect hospice care under Medicare, an individual must be entitled to Part A of Medicare and certified as being terminally ill by a physician and having a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course.
Where are hospice services done?
Hospice services can be provided in various locations. The most common are:
Home: This can be personal, a family member or a friends home
Nursing Home
Assisted Living
Hospital (General Inpatient Care or GIP)
Personal Care Home
Paying For Hospice
Medicare & Other Options
Hospice care can be paid for in a variety of ways. Listed below are some options available to help pay for Allegiance Hospice services.
Medicare
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part A covers hospice. This is an important benefit that has been earned over a lifetime. Don’t wait to use it. All other Medicare services continue under Parts A & B, including those of the person’s physician. Hospice payments do not interfere with any other Medicare payments for other illnesses, care or diseases.
Private Insurance
Most employers’ insurance plans and many managed care plans offer hospice as a benefit. In a majority of cases, coverage is similar to the Medicare benefit, though there may be a few variations between employers.
Charity Care
Under Medicare law, no person can be refused hospice care due to inability to pay. Funds may be available from gifts, donations, grants, or other community sources to cover the costs of care