Following up on earlier work analyzing the Medicare hospice benefit, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued two reports this week “which found that from 2012 through 2016, the majority of U.S. … [Read more...] about Government Watchdog Agency Issues Report Highlighting “Significant Vulnerabilities” in Medicare’s Hospice Benefit
Hospice
Inspector General Reports Concerns About Medicare Hospice Care
Last week, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) published a report[1] of its study on the growth in hospice utilization and reimbursement since 2005. The Report summarizes key vulnerabilities in the Medicare hospice program … [Read more...] about Inspector General Reports Concerns About Medicare Hospice Care
Observation Status Impedes Access to End-of-Life Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Mr. P. has been hospitalized after having a heart attack. He also has terminal cancer for which he wants to continue treatment. If Mr. P. is admitted as an inpatient for a total of three days while in the hospital, he can qualify for Medicare Part A … [Read more...] about Observation Status Impedes Access to End-of-Life Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare Hospice Care: Palliative vs. Curative
Hospice care is holistic care for the dying. Medicare coverage of hospice care is available for beneficiaries who have been certified as terminally ill, for services that are “reasonable and necessary for the palliation or management of … [Read more...] about Medicare Hospice Care: Palliative vs. Curative
The Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Rule for Hospice
The Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments this week to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning its proposed rule titled “Medicare Program; FY 2017 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice … [Read more...] about The Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments on Proposed Rule for Hospice
National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16, 2016
Be a Resource for National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16. There are numerous ways to participate at no cost, and the goal is simple: "To inspire, educate & empower the public & providers about the importance of … [Read more...] about National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16, 2016
Husband Reimbursed for Dying Wife’s Medication After Trying to Appeal Hospice Denial for Nearly Eight Years
When Emily Back was dying in early 2008, her treating physician prescribed a medication to help relieve her excruciating pain. After the hospice provider refused to furnish the medication, her husband, in desperation, purchased it from the … [Read more...] about Husband Reimbursed for Dying Wife’s Medication After Trying to Appeal Hospice Denial for Nearly Eight Years
Hospice Quick Reference
Hospice Quick Reference Hospice care is compassionate end-of-life care that includes medical and supportive services intended to provide comfort to individuals who are terminally ill. Care is provided by a team. Hospice is often called … [Read more...] about Hospice Quick Reference
26. Medicare Needs a Timely Way for Patients to Appeal Hospice Denials
By Howard Back, a Medicare Beneficiary from California Medicare funding for hospice services is a wonderful thing. But there is a missing element in the system: there is no timely way a hospice patient can appeal failure of a hospice to provide … [Read more...] about 26. Medicare Needs a Timely Way for Patients to Appeal Hospice Denials
Hospice Patients’ Rights Enhanced by New Medicare Rule
Hospice care is specialized, compassionate care for those diagnosed with a limited life expectancy. Good hospice care should enhance quality of life for the patient and should support caregivers. The Medicare Conditions of Participation … [Read more...] about Hospice Patients’ Rights Enhanced by New Medicare Rule