Eligibility:
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Hospice care is for people with a life expectancy of six months or less if their illness runs its normal course.
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Patients can receive hospice care if they accept palliative care (for comfort) instead of care to cure their illness and they sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for their terminal illness and related conditions.
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If a patient lives longer than six months, they can still receive hospice care, provided the hospice medical director recertifies that they are terminally ill.
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Patients have the right to change their hospice provider.
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ReliantCare Hospice offers a survey called "Hospice Care: Is it Time?" to help individuals determine whether hospice care is the right decision for themselves or a loved one.
Paying for Hospice:
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ReliantCare Hospice accepts payment for services from Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and most private insurance plans.
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Medicare beneficiaries who elect hospice care receive non-curative medical care and supportive services for their terminal illness covered at little to no expense.
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All services, treatments, hospital stays, medical equipment, supplies, and medications related to the hospice diagnosis must be authorized by the hospice interdisciplinary team for Medicare to maintain financial responsibility.
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An individualized care plan based on the patient's goals of care is created by the hospice care team and the patient's physician.
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Starting hospice care as early as possible helps ensure that the patient and their family receive the maximum benefit allowed.
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We hope this helps provide clarity on the payment options available for hospice care at ReliantCare Hospice. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit:
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What is Hospice?Hospice services include medications, medical supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis. A team of dedicated professionals provide care guided by choices made by the patient, family and physician. The interdisciplinary team members focus on the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs of patients and their loved ones. Services are provided wherever the patient calls home, including private residences, long-term care facilities and hospitals.
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What services are provided by hospice and where?Hospice services encompass medications, medical supplies, and equipment necessary for managing the hospice diagnosis. The provision of care is guided by the patient's, family's, and physician's preferences, with a team of committed professionals leading the effort. This interdisciplinary team strives to address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical requirements of both patients and their loved ones. Hospice services can be offered at various locations, including private residences, long-term care facilities, and hospitals, wherever the patient calls home.
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How often will a nurse or hospice team member visit?The hospice nurse works with the patient and their family to develop a personalized plan of care that meets the patient's needs and honors their values. The frequency of visits by the nurse and other hospice team members is determined by the patient's individual requirements. Typically, patients receive 5 to 7 visits per week to ensure that they receive the necessary level of care and support.
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Does choosing hospice mean giving up hope?In situations where medicine is unable to provide a cure, hospice care offers a new perspective on hope, focusing on the patient's quality of life. The Heart to Heart Hospice team is dedicated to providing intensive symptom management while simultaneously helping patients and their families prepare, both mentally and spiritually, for the journey ahead. By working together, the hospice team strives to improve the patient's comfort and overall well-being while supporting their loved ones through this challenging time.
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Can I continue to work with my primary care physician?Yes, you can continue to work with your primary care physician while receiving hospice care. Hospice care is designed to work in partnership with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
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Is the hospice program licensed and accredited?Yes, hospice programs are licensed and accredited by state and federal agencies. Hospice programs must meet strict standards for quality of care, patient safety, and ethical practices to maintain their license and accreditation.
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How are the hospice caregivers trained?Hospice caregivers are typically trained in a variety of areas, including pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and communication skills. Caregivers may receive specialized training in areas such as dementia care, wound care, and other specific needs of hospice patients.
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How much authority will I have over the direction of my care? Will my loved ones have a part in my care plan?As a hospice patient, you and your loved ones will have significant input into the direction of your care. Hospice care is centered around the patient's needs and preferences, and the care plan will be developed in partnership with you and your loved ones.
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What kind of supportive services will be available to my family?Hospice care includes a range of supportive services for the patient's family, including counseling, education, and assistance with practical tasks such as transportation and meal preparation. Hospice care also provides bereavement support to help families cope with the loss of their loved one.
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How do I acquire hospice services? Do I qualify?Anyone has the right to request a hospice evaluation for themselves or a loved one. Physicians often make hospice referrals when they believe that the patient's needs cannot be met with existing treatments or therapies. Physicians typically provide a list of options to the patient and their family to choose the provider they prefer. When referred to Heart to Heart, we schedule an appointment on the same day or at a mutually convenient time to explain the benefits of hospice care and answer any questions. For a patient to qualify for hospice services, a physician must confirm that the patient is eligible and has a prognosis of six months or less.