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Does Hospice Funding Extend to Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
Reviewed by:
Gene Altaffer has a Masters in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and has worked in many avenues along the continuum of long-term care, assisting thousands of clients and their families since 1995. He also sold long-term care insurance from numerous carriers while also assisting families with retirement planning. Gene helps seniors navigate their Medicare plans, ensuring they understand their benefits and options.
Who qualifies for Medicare hospice funding?
You or a loved one qualify for hospice funding if you have Medicare Part A and your physician and a hospice physician agree that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. You must also sign a statement agreeing that you want to receive comfort care for your illness instead of treatment.
What does Medicare cover for hospice in assisted living?
Medicare Part A covers the entire cost of hospice services in assisted living. However, you’ll be responsible for a $5 copayment for each drug you take for symptom and pain management and for the cost of prescriptions that Medicare Part A and Part D don’t cover. You also remain responsible for your assisted living community’s monthly rent and fees.
Hospice providers offer comfort and peace to the person with a terminal illness and their family members. You’ll receive a personalized care plan based on your needs, which includes a combination of services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, advance care planning, pain relief and emotional and spiritual support. The hospice team often includes home health aides, dietitians, spiritual leaders, therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses and a medical director or physician, as well as volunteers.