1. The Medicare Hospice Benefit
If your loved one has Medicare Part A and meets certain conditions, they may be eligible for some benefits that help cover the services, supplies, medications and equipment used for Medicare-approved inpatient hospice care services. While there is technically no limitation on how long you can collect Medicare Hospice Benefit allowance, you must collect the proper medical certifications at the end of each benefit period to ensure that your cost is covered. According to Medicare.gov, hospice care is given in benefit periods. You can get hospice care for two 90-day periods followed by an unlimited number of 60-day periods. At the start of each period, the hospice medical director or other hospice doctor must recertify that you’re terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less), so you can continue to get hospice care.
2. Medicaid and Private Insurance
Even if you are not enrolled in Medicare Part A, Medicaid and many private insurance plans do provide at least some coverage for inpatient hospice services. Take some time to meet with your loved one’s insurance provider to find out about any co-payments, and meet with your preferred hospice provider to review what is and what is not covered under the insurance plan.
3. Charitable Care Programs
Unfortunately, our private insurance providers don’t always cover the full cost of hospice care. There is still hope, however, as many non-profit senior care service providers will work with you and your family to keep payments manageable. Many inpatient hospice care providers work closely alongside their communities to help those in need receive the comforting care they need regardless of their financial situation.
At Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, our entire team of caregivers is dedicated to making the most of your loved one’s situation and giving them the care they deserve. Whether in the patient’s home or at one of our three inpatient hospice care locations, Good Samaritan Hospice puts compassion and comfort at the forefront to help the entire family during this trying time. Don’t let emotional stress overwhelm you - make the most of these final days with help from the caring services from Good Samaritan Hospice and Concordia Lutheran Ministries.
