Financing
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, Central Wyoming Hospice Program will work with the person and their family to ensure needed services can be provided. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit
Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice care receive a full scope of medical and support services for their life-limiting illness.
Who is Eligible for Medicare Hospice Benefits?
Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). You are eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- 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 within six months.
- You sign a Medicare election form choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your illness*
*Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health needs that aren’t related to your life-limiting illness.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare will pay all costs for the following services related to the terminal diagnosis.
- Nursing care
- Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)
- Medical supplies (like bandages and catheters)
- Drugs for symptom control and pain relief
- Home health aide and homemaker services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Social work services
- Dietary counseling
- Grief support to help you and your family
- Doctor’s services
The Medicare Hospice Benefit Does Not Cover the Following:
Treatment intended to cure your illness – You will however, receive comfort care to help manage symptoms related to your illness. Comfort care includes medications for
symptom control and pain relief, physical care, counseling, and other hospice services.
Medications not directly related to your hospice diagnosis are not covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit - Hospice team members will consult with the hospice physician and will inform you and your family which drugs and/or medications are covered and which ones are not covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The Hospice uses medicine, equipment, and supplies to make you as comfortable as possible. Under the hospice benefit, Medicare won’t pay for treatment where the goal is to cure your illness. You should talk with your doctor if you are thinking about potential treatment to cure your illness. You may change your mind at any time and receive the “traditional” Medicare coverage you had before electing hospice.
Care from another provider - The hospice team will work with you and your family to develop a plan for services that we will provide to you. If you are also receiving care from another healthcare provider, be sure to talk with the hospice team so that services are not duplicated.
While the Medicare Hospice Benefit will cover services wherever your home may be, the benefit does not cover Room & Board fees. We work with most secondary payer sources. The Central Wyoming Hospice business office is available to work with patients and families regarding room and board fees in the Hospice Home.
