As a Hospice Care in Simi Valley, California, our goal is not to cure terminally ill patients, but rather to alleviate their physical, mental, and spiritual discomfort.
Medicare covers hospice care for those who are nearing the end of their lives. Hospice care for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries (and their loved ones) is covered by the program’s original Medicare phase.
Here are the basic requirements for Medicare hospice coverage:
- Medicare Part A coverage is required for the senior (hospital insurance).
- A hospice medical director (and, if applicable, the senior’s regular doctor) must certify that the senior is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less.
- The senior (or their legal guardian) must choose palliative care over Medicare-covered benefits to treat their terminal illness and other relevant illnesses and sign a declaration to that effect.
- A Medicare-approved hospice provider must provide care.
The services that may be covered by the patient’s plan include nursing care, doctor services, medical supplies, social work services, grief counseling, aide and homemaker services, prescription drugs for pain relief, and any other Medicare-covered services recommended by the hospice team.
Should you also need Respite Care in California, you may contact us at AMERICUS HOSPICE, INC. to learn more about our comprehensive range of services.