How Can Agencies Differ? Hospice programs are performed by licensed hospice agencies. Hospice agencies follow Medicare criteria for patient eligibility; however, each agency has some flexibility in facilitating their services. For example, a hospice agency may provide aide service on weekends. Hospices generally have some relationship with local hospitals and elder care … [Read more...]
Hospice, Who Pays for It?
Medicare is the Number One Payee for Hospice Care. Insurers that pay for Hospice care include: Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, Private Pay, and in certain circumstances, Medicaid will pay for hospice. Here is the breakdown of insurers: (Jump to Lessons Learned) Medicare Over 90% of all hospice cases are covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit under Medicare Part A. … [Read more...]
The Two Biggest Misconceptions About Hospice
What Exactly is Hospice? My family recently lost a beloved member to cancer. The last days of my aunt’s life were spent at home with her family, under the guidance of a hospice agency. Hearing about their work and the support they gave to Aunt Mary Ellen and her family caregivers made me wonder, exactly what is hospice, who pays for it and how does it work? This first … [Read more...]
Medicare Payment Impacted by Hospital Observation vs. Admitted Status
Hospitals are now required to explain the implications The Notice Act signed into law August 6, 2016 by President Obama, is a start in resolving the dilemma faced by people with Medicare who must go to the hospital. The dilemma occurs when Medicare patients are treated by the hospital as an outpatient in Observation status vs. being Admitted to the hospital under inpatient … [Read more...]
Personal Care and Home Care Services – What are the Differences?
Home Care services can be the solution to aging-in-place When dad was released from the hospital, it was clear he was not going to be able to continue doing the grocery shopping, housekeeping and caring for my mother at the level he had previously. So now what? Home Care was the answer. NOTE: This is the final of three installments on this topic. Jump to: Lessons … [Read more...]