Hospice Care Eligibility: Understanding Your Options
Are you or a loved one facing a terminal condition? Is your health worsening rapidly? Are you overwhelmed as a caregiver trying to find the right care for your loved one?
Hospice is 100% covered by Medicare for all eligible patients and is covered by most Medicaid and commercial insurance plans. Anyone can refer a patient to hospice, and the evaluation is free.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care focused on providing comfort, pain management, and emotional support to patients with terminal illnesses. It aims to improve quality of life during the final stages of a person's journey.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
To be eligible for hospice care, patients typically must meet the following criteria:
- Terminal illness diagnosis
- Life expectancy of 6 months or less
- Decision to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment
Common Conditions That May Qualify for Hospice
- Advanced cancer
- End-stage heart disease
- Late-stage dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- End-stage kidney disease
- Advanced liver disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Stroke with significant disability
The Hospice Eligibility Process
- Physician certification: Your doctor must certify that you meet the hospice eligibility criteria.
- Hospice evaluation: A hospice team will assess your condition and needs.
- Consent: You or your designated representative must agree to receive hospice care.
- Care plan development: The hospice team will create a personalized care plan.
Benefits of Choosing Hospice Care
- Expert pain and symptom management
- 24/7 support for patients and families
- Emotional and spiritual counseling
- Respite care for caregivers
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medication related to the terminal illness
How to Get Started with Hospice Care
If you believe you or a loved one may be eligible for hospice care, take these steps:
- Discuss your options with your primary care physician
- Contact our hospice team for a free consultation
- Schedule an evaluation to determine eligibility
- Review and sign necessary paperwork
- Begin receiving compassionate hospice care
Ask for Foundations Hospice by name.
