Medicare Hospice Benefit

The Medicare Hospice Benefit, initiated in 1983, is covered under Medicare Part A.  Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice can receive a full scope of non-curative medical and support services for their terminal illness.  Willowbrook Hospice is a Medicare certified agency.

Covered Hospice Services

• Physician Services
• Medical supplies, oxygen, and durable medical equipment related to the terminal illness
• Medication for symptom control and pain relief
• Visits by the hospice interdisciplinary team. (Physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides, spiritual support counselor, and volunteers)
• Short-term inpatient and respite care
• Counseling to help families with grief and loss

Eligibility Requirements

Medicare has four key eligibility criteria:

• Terminal prognosis of 6 months or less, if the disease runs its normal course, as certified by the patient’s attending physician and the hospice medical director
• The patient no longer seeks curative treatment and chooses to receive hospice care
• The patient is enrolled in a Medicare approved hospice program.  (Most private insurance managed care providers also cover Hospice care.  Willowbrook Hospice will verify insurance benefits when a referral is received.)
• Patient has a competent person in the home to help provide care   

Payment for Hospice

Medicare reimburses the hospice program for virtually all medical expenses related to the patient’s terminal illness.

  

Benefit Periods for Hospice Care under Medicare

Four benefit periods for hospice care are available:

• 1^st period: 90 days (evaluation period)
• 2^nd period: 90 days
• 3^rd period: 60 days
• 4^th period: unlimited 60 day period