Hospice Care: Its About How You Live

Referrals and Eligibility

An individual is usually referred to Hospice through his or her primary physician. Family members, friends, clergy or health professionals also may make referrals. Regardless of the source of the referral, a physician must certify that the patient has a progressive life threatening illness with a life expectancy of at least six months if the disease follows its normal progression.

To request more information or to speak to someone about any of or services, please contact our office.

Insurance

Hospice care is a covered benefit under most private insurance plans, including HMOs, Medicare, Medicaid and managed care organizations. Hospice Medicare patients always have the right to reinstate traditional care at any time, for any reason.

Medicare Coverage:

Hospice, if a covered Medicare benefit, provides:

• Nursing services
• Physician services
• Medications for symptom management
• Home health aides
• Trained volunteers
• Physical, occupational and speech-language therapy
• Medical supplies and appliances
• Social work services
• Spiritual support
• Dietary
• Continuous care at home during periods of crisis
• Bereavement services