Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice
Whether you are planning for the future or coping with a serious illness right now, considering end-of-life care is not easy. We understand you have questions. We are eager to share what we’ve learned with you.
What is hospice?
Hospice is a way to care for people who are terminally ill by focusing on pain relief and symptom management, as well as emotional and spiritual end-of-life issues, instead of trying to cure the disease.
Who pays for hospice?
Most hospice patients are eligible for Medicare, which covers all aspects of hospice care and services. Many health insurance plans you obtain through employer based plans, offer a hospice benefit as well. Employer benefit coverage for hospice care and services may differ from Medicare.
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What does it mean when it’s time to call hospice?
Securing a home hospice provider means deciding that the patient and family no longer want to pursue curative care. Generally, a physician determines that a patient’s life expectancy is six months or less; most medical treatments and interventions are no longer effective, will not cure the disease, and/or will prolong suffering. The in-home hospice provider takes a patient’s care away from disease specialists and surgeons and gives it to an interdisciplinary team trained in comfort care, pain relief, psychological and social support who provide quality of life at the end of life.
What’s the first step to getting started with hospice care?
Anyone can request a hospice evaluation at no cost. Sometimes the physician makes the referral or provides several options and lets the patient/family decide. The physician must certify to the hospice provider that the patient is eligible and has a prognosis of 6 months or less. When a referral is made, the hospice provider makes an appointment (the same day or on a date convenient for the family) to meet with the patient and family. The admissions nurse evaluates the patient, answers the family’s questions, and creates a plan of care that reflects the patient/family’s wishes. If the discussion goes well and the family is ready to decide, they sign admissions paperwork and the hospice team begins to visit.
Who is on the hospice team? Who is responsible for care?