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
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!
Appeal Rights Confirmed for Medicare Hospice Beneficiaries in Case Brought By Center for Medicare Advocacy
Back vs. Sebelius, 9th Circuit 7/5/2012 Although it dismissed the case, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today also confirmed that Medicare hospice patients have the right to appeal denials of services. The defendant, Secretary of Health and … [Read more...] about Appeal Rights Confirmed for Medicare Hospice Beneficiaries in Case Brought By Center for Medicare Advocacy
Hospice – Care When It’s Needed Most
November is National Hospice Month. The first White House proclamation honoring hospice month was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Access to care has improved significantly in the three decades since November has been celebrated as … [Read more...] about Hospice – Care When It’s Needed Most
New Hospice Face-to-Face Requirement: Help or Hindrance?
Eligibility for Medicare coverage of hospice care is contingent in part upon a hospice physician certifying that the beneficiary has a life expectancy of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its normal course. In an effort to … [Read more...] about New Hospice Face-to-Face Requirement: Help or Hindrance?
New Hospice Regulations are a Mixed Bag for Beneficiaries Seeking High Quality End of Life Care
Hospice care is available for Medicare beneficiaries who are certified by a hospice physician as having a life expectancy of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its normal course. In 1983, the hospice benefit was designed to cover … [Read more...] about New Hospice Regulations are a Mixed Bag for Beneficiaries Seeking High Quality End of Life Care
Hospice News: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
The Good: Connecticut Will Cover Hospice Care for Medicaid RecipientsMedicaid recipients in Connecticut will soon have access to hospice care. The new benefit closely resembles the Medicare hospice benefit. To obtain hospice care, Medicaid … [Read more...] about Hospice News: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly