Nobody wants to think about hospice care, even when it’s immediately necessary for your life. Unfortunately, this means that many of us are left unprepared when it’s time to place a loved one into the comfortable care they deserve.
How are we going to pay for this? Who’s supposed to handle the bills for it?
These are the answers to the top questions people have about paying for hospice care and how to uncomplicate one of the most stressful times in anyone’s life.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is the end of life care for anyone who has a diagnosis from a doctor saying they have up to six months left of life. This care offers help for whatever medical issues they’re suffering from while working to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible, so they don’t have to stress about their care or health for the last few months of their lives.
Although there are cases of people getting to leave hospice care alive, these are rare, and it’s generally accepted as the last place many people will live. Unfortunately, this leaves families unsure about the bills since the patient obviously can’t pay them off after it’s completed.
Who Needs Hospice Care?
Hospice care is usually for long-term illnesses that can’t be cured. This can generally be things like cancer, dementia, liver disease, AIDS, COPD, heart failure, strokes, and so much more. The caretakers in these facilities are extremely well trained on what type of care your loved one will need and understand the importance of kindness and patience at this point in a person’s life.
How is Hospice Care Paid For?
Hospice care is most commonly paid for by insurance; even Medicaid automatically covers hospice care. This type of care is terrifying to have to go through, and the last thing anyone should have to worry about is how they’re going to leave bills behind for their loved ones.
Most insurances cover hospice care and make it far more affordable and feasible for individuals who need it.
What if They Don’t Have Insurance?
Although sometimes you’ll have to work with your community to try and get enough funds raised to get someone into hospice care: some hospice agencies will provide care free of charge to patients who don’t have insurance or the resources to pay for it. They don’t chase down family members for these funds; it’s generally understood that this is a bill nobody’s eager to receive.
How Can I Pick the Best Center?
Picking the best center is vital to ensuring that your loved one will be as comfortable as possible. Pick a facility that has good reviews and has experience with patients with the same illness as your family member. It can be extremely emotional to read these reviews, so make sure you have a support system in place to help you through it.
Everyone Deserves Comfort and Support
Hospice care is stressful for everyone involved: but it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re planning on moving a loved one into hospice care, it’s vital to remember that this is one of the best decisions to guarantee comfort.
