End of life decisions are one of the most difficult to make within a family. These decisions affect a patient’s family’s life for years not only emotionally, but financially as well. It is imperative to make end of life decisions for patients that are in their financial capabilities. Hospice care costs weigh heavily on both the patients and families’ minds.
Hospice care is for terminally ill patients who have exceeded their treatment options and they no longer receive treatment attempting to cure the condition. To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and a patient’s primary doctor must certify that you have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care can be offered in a variety of places: home, independent and assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility, hospital, and/or hospice house. According to Medicare in 2018, 1.55 million patients receive hospice services.
The Hospice Care Costs Paid For
Medicare and Medcaid insurance covers a variety of things including:
- All visits from hospice personal
- Medications that are related to the hospice diagnosis
- Equipment
The Hospice Care Costs Not Paid For
Although there are great benefits for someone to be on hospice, there are some things that hospice care does not pay for that the family must pay for:
- Treatment intended to cure the terminal illness or related condition. Patients have the right to discontinue hospice services at any time to pursue aggressive treatment.
- Ambulance transportation to and from hospital stays.
- The room and board for residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Angels Grace Hospice is very diverse in knowledge when it comes to certain areas of what hospice can pay for and cover. Angels Grace Hospice is able to help families navigate these findings through knowledge, websites, and talking to different insurance companies including Medicare and Medicaid.
Angels Grace Hospice provides a customized care plan to meet the specific needs of patients. We provide comfort care in your home, hospital, nursing home or assisted-living facility depending on your individual circumstances. Contact us with any questions and for further assistance with your end of life care options.