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
Hospice
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
Hospice and Access to Medications Update: CMS Replacement Guidance
Quick Summary When Medicare beneficiaries elect the hospice benefit, they waive Medicare coverage for all care and services related to the terminal illness that are not on the hospice plan of care and provided through the hospice provider. … [Read more...] about Hospice and Access to Medications Update: CMS Replacement Guidance
The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Research suggests that medications that should be covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit are sometimes paid for by Medicare Part D plans. In March, to prevent this from happening, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a … [Read more...] about The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Tinkering With Hospice: The Medicare Care Choices Model
Some croon, "Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die." As a general rule, Americans not only don't want to die, we also don't want to talk about death and dying. As a consequence of this reticence, many … [Read more...] about Tinkering With Hospice: The Medicare Care Choices Model
Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
On March 10, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum to Part D Plan Sponsors and Medicare Hospice Providers entitled, "Part D Payment for Drugs for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Hospice – Final 2014 … [Read more...] about Hospice and Access to Medications – New CMS Guidance
Medicare Hospice Care: We Want Your Stories!
Hospice is a program of care and support for people who are terminally ill. To qualify for Medicare hospice coverage, a doctor certifies that a person is terminally ill, with an expectation of six months or less to live. Once a person … [Read more...] about Medicare Hospice Care: We Want Your Stories!