About Hospice

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Who Is Appropriate For Hospice

Potential hospice patients may be identified by a diagnosis, symptoms or a combination of both.

Below are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a patient is hospice eligible:

Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits in the past six months

Unplanned weight loss or unable to feed self

Decrease in ability to perform activities of daily living

Increased or uncontrollable pain

Shortness of breath

Inability to swallow or frequent aspiration

Repeat or multiple infections

Change in mental status

Increased weakness or fatigue

Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting

Hospice Myths & Realities

Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon die.
Reality: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize a patient’s medical condition and address other needs.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Reality: A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, chronic lung disease or other conditions.
Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time.
Reality: The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meets the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care and reenroll in hospice care, as needed.
Myth: Hospice is only for the last days.
Reality: Many times individuals are eligible for hospice much sooner than they realize. Obtaining early support from hospice helps individuals and families more quickly control symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.
Myth: To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must already be bedridden.
Reality: Hospice care is appropriate at the time of the terminal prognosis, regardless of the patient’s physical condition. Many of the patients served through hospice continue to lead productive and rewarding lives. Together, the patient, family and physician determine when hospice services should begin.
Myth: Hospice provides 24 hour care.
Reality: While hospice teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they are not the primary caregiver. Rather, hospice will create a plan of care customized to meet the needs of the individual and their family. Hospice staff can help the family locate resources and support to meet those needs.
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Paying for Hospice

Hospice care is paid for in a variety of ways. This section explains the type of payment coverage available.

Medicare

Medicare – If the terminally ill individual is a Medicare beneficiary, hospice is a covered benefit under Part A.

Medicaid

Medicaid – Nearly all states offer hospice coverage under Medicaid. In general, Medicaid hospice benefits parallel the Medicare benefit, although there may be some variations in certain states.

VHA Medical Benefit

VHA Medical Benefit – All enrolled veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical need for service.

Private Insurance

Private Insurance – many managed care plans and most employer issued insurance plans offer a hospice benefit.

Private Pay

Private Pay – If insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient, the patient and the patient’s family can discuss private pay and payment plans.

Patient services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), communicable disease, or place of national origin.

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