Hospice is a special kind of care for patients with a limited life expectancy, and their families. Hospice care is about quality of life and is holistic and comprehensive in its approach. The goal of hospice care is maximizing comfort for patients rather than recovery or cure, so patients may live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Who is Eligible for Hospice Care?
A patient who has been clinically diagnosed to have a life limiting illness and has decided not to pursue curative treatment can be eligible for hospice care. To be eligible to elect hospice care under Medicare, the patient must:
A) Be entitled to Medicare Part A
B) Be certified by the patient’s primary physician and the hospice medical director as terminally ill and having six months or less to live, should the disease run its normal course.
C) Give consent by signing a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare covered treatments related to the terminal diagnosis and related conditions.
Who pays for Hospice?
Medicare Part A and Medi-Cal/Medicaid
– Hospice care is fully covered under Medicare Part A and Medi-Cal benefit provided the patient meets the eligibility criteria and care is provided by a Medicare / Medi-Cal certified hospice agency.
HMO/PPO/Private Insurance Plans
– Most managed care plans and private insurance have a hospice benefit. Del Rosa Hospice will assist you in determining your benefit coverage and make sure you understand potential out-of- pocket costs.
Where is Hospice Care Provided?
Del Rosa Hospice provides care wherever the patient calls home. This can be the patient’s private residence, skilled nursing facility, residential care facility, assisted living facility or retirement community.
