sENIOR SOLUTIONS 

Hospice CARE

“Within medical institutions, death is often projected to be the “final enemy” to be fought. In contrast, hospice care is organized around the principle of helping people experience a “good death,” which often implies a death this is pain-free and attended by significant others, takes place in a home-like setting, is influenced to some degree by patient and family choices, and brings “resolution” or “acceptance” to the life that is ending. This concept of a “good death” is also referred to as a “natural death,” “appropriate death,” or “death with dignity” in hospice literature. “ Alan D Wolfelt

In the last months of life, the hospice program offers important benefits. These include improved emotional status for the family, major symptom improvement, improved survival, and cost savings. Unfortunately, only half of Americans receive hospice, and three out of four of them get less than the recommended time in hospice. In other words, only one in eight Americans receive the three to six months of hospice services known to achieve the best results for families. There are many reasons for this. Some are unavoidable. In part, common myths surrounding hospice cause this problem that in the end hurts patients and families.

Who Pays for Hospice?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran’s Health Administration, and most private insurers.
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, over 85% of hospice patients are covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) at 100%, so there is no cost to the patient or their family.

What services are typically covered by hospice benefits?
Most people receive hospice care through the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Medicaid and the Veteran’s Health Administration follow the Medicare benefit model.

 The services that the Medicare Hospice Benefit covers are:
 Doctor services
Nursing Care
Medical equipment (such as hospital beds, wheelchairs or walkers)
Medical supplies (such as bandages and catheters)
Drugs to control pain and other symptoms
Home health aide and homemaker services
Social worker services
Dietary counseling
Emotional and spiritual counseling to help the patient and family with grief and loss
Short-term in-patient care in the hospital, including “respite care”, which is a service designed to provide family members a short break from caring for their loved one at home

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