Medicare Hospice Care Programs: What You Need to Know

Most Medicare programs and services are designed to help beneficiaries get the care they need to cure an illness and return to an active life. Unfortunately there are cases in which a beneficiary may have a condition so debilitating that the likelihood of a cure is very small. If your conditions is so serious that your life expectancy of six months or less, your doctor may recommend a Medicare-certified hospice care program



Medicare’s hospice services are designed to make the last months of your life as comfortable as possible. You’ll receive care intended to meet the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of you and your loved ones.



Medicare Part A



provides coverage for 100% of the costs associated with Medicare hospice care services. All Medicare beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A from the time they begin to receive Medicare benefits. Medicare Part A typically provides "medically necessary" curative in-patient coverage, including hospital stays and time in a skilled nursing facility. However, when a person chooses to receive hospice care Medicare will no longer provide coverage for curative care. If you change your mind about hospice care, you can return to Medicare curative care services at any time.

Hospice care services include:



• A hospice care team that may include doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, chaplains, social workers and trained volunteers.

• Medical supplies and equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs

• Medications



Hospice Care Services



If you choose hospice care, you and your family will need to select a Medicare-approved hospice care program in your area. Your doctor and the hospice program’s medical director must certify that you have a terminal illness. This is a condition which will likely result in a life expectancy of approximately six months or less. It is a good idea to review the options available before selecting the hospice care provider that you and your family are most comfortable with.

You can receive hospice care wherever you live. It can be provided in a family home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility or in a hospital. Hospice care is designed to support you and your family. For example, bereavement services can help loved ones deal with a loss. And respite services can help family members in need of a short break from care giving.

Hospice services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or a loved one is considering hospice care, there are several resources available to help you make a decision. The Medicare helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. Or visit medicare.gov to learn more.



You can also visit MedicareMadeClear.com to learn more about hospice care programs and end of life coverage, or call at 1-877-619-5582, TTY 711, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.



The family of UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Solutions plans are insured or covered by an affiliate of UnitedHealthcare, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and Medicare-approved Part D Sponsor.



Y0066_101215_090529 File & Use 12202010