Hospice Gives Caregivers Well Needed Rest

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Readers:  This week I had my own experience with Medicare on this issue, as my 92-year-old mother has reached her final stage of hospice. I feel it is important for me to explain hospice, so those with a terminally ill loved one learn the value of it. This information was given to me by the hospice provider taking care of my mother.

Dear Toni,

             I advise spouses and adult children who are seeking advice for their loved one that is having end-of-life issues. Hospice can help those who are taking care of a family member that has a serious healthcare issue during end-of-life care.

             Can you explain hospice to your readers? I am sure it will help those who are seeking assistance such as what you, Toni, are experiencing. Hospice gives the primary caregiver some well-needed rest during a stressful time.

            Thanks in Advance…Sharon 

Hi Sharon:

            Thank you for making this stressful transition with my mother from living at home to moving to a personal care home since her dementia illness has progressed. HOSPICE is a subject that the average caregiver does not understand. Many wait too long to discuss hospice with their loved one’s doctor.

            Most Americans believe hospice is only for the last days to help a person die peacefully. I was blessed because the home health company helping with my mother’s care explained she would qualify for hospice. Advising me to talk with her primary care physician and that she was terminally ill needing hospice care. It was over two years ago that this began, making this transition a less stressful experience.

Below is information about hospice: 

            Healthcare professionals in the hospice system include physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, certified nursing assistants and volunteers. A hospice provider goes where the patient lives to provide the care.

            The 2024 Medicare & You handbook explains on page 26 what hospice is and that Medicare covers hospice under Medicare Part A. The doctor who orders hospice must certify that a patient is terminally ill and has 6 (six) months or less to live. When a patient agrees to hospice care, they agree to comfort care (palliative care) instead of treatment to cure the illness and must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for the terminal illness.

            Hospice can be recertified every 6 months by a hospice medical director or hospice doctor if the patient is still terminally ill, which my mother qualified. Original Medicare will be billed for the hospice care.

             Hospice will cover all medical care for the terminal illness and Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan will pay for health problems that are unrelated. (Co-pays will apply.) Medicare-certified hospice care is usually given in the home or other facility, like a nursing or personal care home. Additional details on hospice are explained in chapter 2 of Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition.

Medicare costs under Hospice:

• You pay nothing for hospice care (Medicare pays)
• You pay a copayment of up to $5 per prescription for outpatient prescription drugs for pain and symptom management.
• You pay nothing for Medicare-approved inpatient respite care, which is a 5-day stay in a Medicare-approved facility so that an at-home caregiver may have a period of rest.

             Know that hospice provides comfort, dignity, love, and support. Talk with your loved one’s doctor if you have concerns or need advice with this Medicare journey for your loved one’s terminal healthcare issue.            

            Remember, with Medicare it’s what you don’t know that WILL hurt you! If you have a Medicare question, email [email protected] or call 832-519-8664. Toni’s new Confused about Medicare” video series and Toni’s Medicare books are available at www.tonisays.com.

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