FAQ
Is Hospice right for me?
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Hospice focuses on care, not cure. At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. By law the decision belongs to the patient or their surrogate decision maker. Most hospices accept patients who have a life-expectancy of six months or less and who are referred by a physician. The team at Luminos Hospice is always available to discuss any questions or concerns you or your family may have regarding eligibility.
How do I pay
for Hospice care?
Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance company, hospice will work with the person and their family to ensure needed services can be provided. We provide services to everyone in need regardless of their ability to pay.
When I do request care?
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The Luminos Hospice team is available 24-hours a day to assist you through the admissions process. During this time we outline the many services available to our patients and provide consent and insurance forms similar to what a patient may sign when entering a hospital.
Who is eligible for Hospice Care?
You are eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of the following conditions:
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You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), and
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Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you have a life-limiting illness and if the disease runs its normal course, death may be expected in six months or less, and
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You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your illness, and
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You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.
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*Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health needs that aren’t related to your life-limiting illness or related illnesses.
What services does Medicare cover under the Hospice Benefit?
Medicare defines a set of hospice core services, which means that hospices are required to provide these set of services to each person they serve, regardless of the persons insurance.
Medicare covers these hospice services and pays nearly all of their costs:
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Physician services
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Nursing care
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Home health aide and homemaker services
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Social work services
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Dietary counseling
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Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)
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Medical supplies (like bandages and catheters)
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Medications for symptom control and pain relief
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Short-term care in the hospital or skilled nursing facility for pain and symptom crisis management
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Inpatient respite for caregiver relief
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Short-term hourly care in the home for a pain and symptom crisis management
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Grief support to help you and your family during and after hospice services
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You will only have to pay part of the cost for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite care.