If you are considering home health or hospice care for you or for a loved one, you may want to find out whether or not you are eligible for your home health or hospice services to be paid for by Medicare. Medicare is a Federal Health Insurance Program for people who are age 65 or older. Medicare also covers people under 65 with certain disabilities or people of any age who have end-stage renal disease. Medicare has two different parts: Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance and Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance. Hospice and home health care usually fall under Part A.

What Makes a Person Medicare Eligible? A person is eligible for Medicare if they or their spouse have worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and the person is 65 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If the person applying for home health or hospice services isn’t yet 65, they may qualify for Medicare coverage if they have a disability or permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.

Is Hospice Care Covered by Medicare? Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). A patient is eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when:

- The person is eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance); and

- A patient’s doctor and the hospice medical director certify that a patient is terminally ill and probably have less than six months to live; and

- A patient signs a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for a patient’s terminal illness

- The person receives care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.

Please keep in mind that Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that are not related to a patient’s terminal illness. A patient’s doctor and chosen hospice care provider will coordinate with the patient and family to set up a plan of care that satisfies any special conditions or needs.

Here is a list of the hospice services that are covered by Medicare:

- Doctor’s services

- Nurse’s care

- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers

- Medical supplies (such as bandages and catheters)

- Medications for symptom control and pain relief

- Short-term care in the hospital and/or including respite care

- Homemaker and home health aide services

- Occupational and physical therapy

- Speech therapy

- A social worker

- Dietary counseling and nutrition planning

- Counseling to help the new patient and their family cope with grief and loss

Medicare covers these hospice services and pays nearly all of their costs. If there are costs that are not covered by Medicare such as outpatient medications and inpatient respite care, your hospice care provider should be instructed to notify you immediately.

Are Home Health Services Covered by Medicare? Medicare Part A will cover home health services. The following home health services are usually offered to home health clients:

- Intermittent or PT skilled nursing care by a licensed practical nurse or RN

- Personal care therapy

- Occupational therapy

- Medical supplies that are directly related to your home health care plan, including wound dressings

- Resilient medical equipment

There may be a home health service that Medicare does not cover. If this is the case, be sure to have your home health care provider inform you as soon as possible so that you can properly plan for your home health expenses.

Where Can I Find A Medicare Approved Hospice or Home Health Care Provider? You can find a home health or hospice care provider that is Medicare approved by asking your doctor, your State Hospice Organization, or a patient State Health Department. Utah residents can contact Millcreek Home Health and Hospice for answers to their questions about Medicare covered hospice and home health care.

Understanding what hospice and home health services are covered by Medicare can help you find a suitable home health and hospice care provider so you or your loved one get the care that you need.

If you live in Utah and want more information about home health care or hospice services, then visit our web site today.


Related posts:

  1. Pros Of Turning To Professional Translation Services
  2. Online Medical Billing Degrees
  3. Long Term Care Insurance Can Assist With Your Special Requirements
  4. 5 Best Reasons To Turn To Professional Translation Services
  5. Who Has Hear Of Litigation Support Services – (what Is This)