Palliative home care, hospice services and care at the Kansas City Hospice House™ are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies. You can learn more about Medicare hospice benefit care – Medicare Hospice Benefits.
As a not-for-profit organization, Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to serving all in need, regardless of their financial resources.
Our staff is very skilled in helping people to understand their insurance coverage or the need for assistance and they will work closely with you and your family so that you may receive the care you need.
Eligibility
If you are still seeking a cure for your illness, you may be eligible for supportive or palliative care in your home. When the focus shifts from seeking a cure to maintaining quality of life and comfort, you may choose hospice services. The best way to find out more and see what program might work best for you is to ask one of our expert nurses to come visit you. Our registered nurses will provide a complete evaluation and talk through all of the options with you and your family. Our team will also explain how Medicare and insurance cover your care. There is no cost and no obligation for this informational visit.
Care Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100% of the cost of care, including a specially trained team of professionals and caregivers to provide “whole person” care – physical, emotional, social and spiritual care of a person – and includes medications, counseling, necessary medical equipment (like beds or wheelchairs) and supplies for the illness and related conditions. Even inpatient hospice care is covered in one of our hospice houses, when symptoms are too complicated to manage at home or when respite care is needed.
- Nursing care – an RN case manager to coordinate your care and provide ongoing medical care
- Hospice aide – assistance with personal care like bathing and dressing
- Doctor services – your own physicians and our physicians as needed
- Medical equipment – like wheelchairs or walkers
- Medical supplies – like bandages and catheters
- Drugs – prescriptions needed for symptom control or pain relief
- Therapy – art, music, physical and occupational therapy as recommended by your care team
- Social worker services – support for you and your family, and referrals to community resources
- Chaplain – nondenominational spiritual support for you and your family
- Grief and loss counseling – support for you and your family
- Short-term inpatient care – if needed to manage pain or stabilize symptoms
- Other services – as recommended by your care team to keep you stable and comfortable
- Volunteers – assistance with many of the things not covered by insurance LEARN MORE
What’s Not Covered?
While the Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the vast majority of costs associated end-of-life care, there are certain costs that you may be responsible for while receiving hospice care.
Prescription drugs – if you take drugs for a condition that is not related to your hospice care, you may have a copay or deductible.
Inpatient respite care – most of this cost is covered by Medicare and any anticipated costs will be discussed with you prior to your inpatient stay.
Room and board charges – people living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility are still responsible for room and board charges. Just like you would not expect hospice to cover your rent or house payment at home, room and board is separate.
Hospital and emergency room – if you need care for something that is not related to hospice care, for instance, if you fall and break your arm, treatment is covered by Medicare outside of your Hospice Medicare Benefit and is subject to all the co-pays and deductibles of your plan.
If you have any questions concerning Medicare’s coverage, please just ask.
Most insurance plans match the Medicare Hospice Benefit and we’re happy to work with your insurance to determine just what will be covered. Palliative care is handled a little differently and we will explain all coverages in person.
How Care Begins
Care starts with a phone call from you, a family member, your physician or a hospital or facility staff member. Call 816.363.2600 to schedule an informational visit. Or, CONTACT US online.
