When your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, are you worried about the end-of-life care cost? Are you avoiding hospice owing to the cost? Did you know, patients who meet the eligibility requirements have several options to choose from when it comes to receive support at a difficult time?
Hospice care is often provided to patients who have a life-limiting illness. The team of hospice service providers includes interdisciplinary health care professionals who work with the patient’s primary caregiver at home or in a facility to provide care and support.
Doctors, nurses, counselors, dietitians, social workers, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and trained volunteers work together to help improve the quality of life of the patient.
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Patients who choose hospice care are usually not expected to pay for the care out-of-their-pocket. Hospice care costs are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veteran’s Health Administration.
- Medicare and Medicaid
A majority of hospice patients have their costs covered by Medicare through the Medicare Hospital Benefit.
In most U.S. States, Medicaid also pays for hospice care. People often become eligible for Medicaid if their income and assets are low.
Medicare and Medicaid benefits are almost similar and make it easy for the patient to pay his medical bills. - Veteran’s Benefits
Hospice care is also covered by the Veteran’s Health Administration. Get in touch with the hospice care service provider to check your eligibility.
The Veteran’s Health Administration benefits are similar to Medicare Hospice Benefits. - Health Insurance
Patients who have private health insurance are sometimes covered for hospice care. Before choosing a private insurance, check with your insurer to determine whether hospice care is covered and under what circumstances.
- Patients Who do Not Have Insurance
If you are someone who does not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, and do not have any private insurance, the hospice service provider can offer financial assistance to help you pay for the services.
Who Qualifies for Medicare?
Patients who are eligible for Medicare are required to fulfill the following criteria:
- Must be 65 years or old
- Someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness
- The doctor has certified that the patient has six months or less to live
Did you know?
With earlier referral to a hospice, patients may receive care that results in better management of symptoms, leading to the stabilization of their condition and prolonged survival. Hospice care is focused on helping patients and their families have a better quality of life by preventing and relieving troubling symptoms and side effects of serious illness.
The Bottom Line
While starting a conversation regarding the hospice or the cost of care can be difficult, it is often a great relief for patients and their loved ones to know that they can access a wide range of services at little or no cost.
Hospice care is available to terminally ill patients who want to improve their quality of life in the last days. To speak with someone about hospice care at Inspiration Hospice, please call (385) 247-2020.