The Medicare Hospice Benefit Care covers virtually all expenses during a life-limiting illness, with almost zero out-of-pocket expenses, making hospice care in Kansas City an affordable option. Did you know that people on Medicare pay little to nothing for hospice care? Many people don’t realize everything Medicare covers. Whether you’re receiving hospice home care, inpatient hospice care or care at a skilled nursing facility, Medicare beneficiaries may elect the Medicare Hospice Benefit Care. The support of a trained hospice care team, such as Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, with its expertly trained hospice care teams, can help you choose the most appropriate health care options for you and your family.

The process is simple and easy for those with Medicare Part A coverage. After a no-obligation meeting in your home or at a place of your choice, we’ll work with your doctor to recommend the best care options. If your doctor agrees, you may choose to accept hospice care instead of seeking a cure for your illness.

To help you understand more about what hospice care involves, we will be happy to meet with you and your family you to assist you in making your decisions. Hospice isn’t just for people with cancer. Many people with heart conditions, dementia, lung disease and other conditions choose to focus on comfort care.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit Care pays for 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.

What’s not covered by Medicare Hospice Benefit Care?

While the Medicare Hospice Benefit Care 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.

Here’s another piece of good news! Most insurance plans match the Medicare Hospice Benefit. If you’re not on Medicare, we’ll be happy to check with your insurance company and find out exactly how they reimburse for hospice care.

What if you have no coverage at all? Kansas City Hospice is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for people in our area. We will not turn away anyone due to inability to pay. Generous donors, volunteers and corporate sponsors give us the ability to find a way.

What if you’re not ready for hospice, but still want the wonderful team approach to manage pain and other symptoms? Palliative home health care may be right for you. The supportive care provided by our palliative care team is also covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. It works a little differently, but we can help you understand your coverage and to choose the care that’s right for you. Cancer care, congestive heart failure, lung disease, ALS, MS and many other serious illnesses may qualify for palliative home health care.

Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care will be happy to arrange to meet with you and your family to discuss how to meet your needs for care during a serious or life limiting illness. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation.