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Hospice: A Special Kind of Caring |
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Hospice is a special kind of caring for people who are dying and their families. It focuses on helping the patient have the best quality of life possible in the time that is left. It views death as a natural part of life and neither postpones nor hastens it. Hospice is for individuals with a life-limiting illness such as cancer, heart or pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s, or AIDS, who have a life expectancy of six months or less.
Today, 74 hospice programs in Minnesota, with more than a dozen in the metro area, provide care to more than 13,000 persons a year.
Can hospice care be provided at home?Yes. Most hospice care is provided to people in their homes, where they are close to friends and family. Hospice can also be in other care settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult foster care residences or hospice homes.
How does hospice help caregivers?Hospice team members teach family and friends how to care for their loved one. A nurse is on-call to answer questions and provide support to caregivers 24-hours a day. Specially trained volunteers provide companionship, run errands, and help caregivers in a variety of ways. Respite care is available so that family members can be relieved of caregiving duties when they need a break. Other services may include grief counseling, support groups and help finding other needed services.
How are hospice services paid for?Medicare pays for hospice services for individuals who have Medicare Part A. Medical Assistance, most private insurance companies and HMOs also pay for hospice. To be eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, a person must also:
- be certified by a physician to have a life expectancy of six months or less;
- sign a Medicare Hospice Benefit election form saying that all treatment related to the terminal illness will be provided through hospice (Medicare Part A is still available for treatment unrelated to the terminal illness);
- choose a Medicare certified hospice program.
What hospice services are covered under Medicare?The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the entire cost of hospice services, which may include: physician and nursing services; medical social services; home health aide and homemaker services; medical equipment and supplies; medications to control pain and symptoms; short-term inpatient and respite care; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; and dietary and other counseling. (Note: a hospice provider may charge a $5 co-pay for prescription drugs and 5 percent of the cost of inpatient respite care.)
Medical Assistance and many of the other insurance companies and HMOs that pay for hospice services follow Medicare eligibility and service guidelines. Because insurance policies differ in their coverage, it is very important to check the policy for specifics.
Do I have to change doctors to receive hospice care?No. The person’s physician may continue to direct care and bill in the usual manner.
How do I choose a hospice?Hospice programs can be independent agencies, or may be part of a health system, hospital, or home health agency. A physician, insurance company, or other health care professional can provide information. The Minnesota Department of Health licenses hospice programs and conducts on-site surveys to ensure quality. Phone: 651/215-5800 or visit their Web site.
More information about hospice care and how to find hospice care in your area is available online at the Hospice Minnesota Web site or by calling Hospice Minnesota at 651/659-0423 or toll free 866/290-4321.
This article was prepared by Fran Conklin. Hospice Minnesota is a non-profit organization that promotes quality care for people who are dying and their families, educating the public about compassionate and competent end-of-life care, and advocating for increased access to hospice care in Minnesota.
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Counseling and Services 