Hospice is available as a benefit under Medicare (Part A). Medicare beneficiaries who choose Hospice care receive non-curative medical support and psychosocial services to help cope with both the symptoms of the terminal disease as well as the emotional and spiritual struggles of end-of-life issues. The Medicaid Hospice Benefit is identical to the Medicare Hospice Benefit in both services and reimbursement.

Patients entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A can choose Hospice care when they meet the Hospice admission criteria; basically, when the patient's doctor and the Hospice Medical Director certify the patient prognosis is limited to months, not years. Medical needs unrelated to the Hospice diagnosis continue to be covered under Standard Medicare and Medicaid Benefits.

All reasonable and necessary medical support services for the management of a terminal illness are covered including:

• Physician services provided by the Hospice Medical Director
• Nursing services
• Certified nurse aide services
• Homemaker services
• Medical social services
• Spiritual support
• Volunteer services
• Bereavement support services
• Counseling, including dietary counseling
• Medications for pain and symptom management related to the terminal illness
• Medical supplies and equipment related to the terminal illness
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and speech therapy
• Short-term inpatient care for acute symptom management
• Respite care for caregivers

 Call us at (804) 281-0451 for a simple eligibility verification.