Many equate “hospice” with a form of care for a person with a terminal prognosis—typically with the last 6-month window of their life. For this reason, this care may be recommended when other forms of care have been deemed ineffective at lengthening the patient’s life in a meaningful way. Hospice care is meant to provide the individual with comfort and dignity before they eventually pass away. With this being said, the path to patient discharge is not always as “simple” as that. 

Patients Can Seem to “Improve”

Though rare, there are instances of hospice patients seeming to do much “better” in hospice care than traditional hospitalization or while receiving other forms of care. They may become more alert, more social, and happier. This does not necessarily denote a recovery but can occur due to a variety of reasons. At times, as one’s plan of care shifts as they move from traditional care to hospice care, this can mean changes in their medications, diet, social interaction, and the like. In most instances, even these positive changes are not indications of the possibility of recovery but are more likely due to various positive aspects of hospice care—especially in comparison to receiving taxing treatments leading up to a referral. 

Does Anyone Ever Recover After Entering Hospice?

The decision to refer a patient to hospice care is not one entered into lightly. For this reason, most patients who elect for this care do not recover from their terminal diagnosis. It is important to note, however, that patients or family members can choose to revoke hospice care at any time if a physician has determined the possibility of a treatment that can lengthen the patient’s life longer than the previous length of time. While this can happen, this is highly unusual and should not be expected. In most instances, holding onto such false hopes following a hospice referral can be emotionally taxing for patients and family members alike. 

More Questions About Hospice Care?

If you or a loved one have additional questions about hospice care, feel free to reach out to the experts at Cura HPC Hospice & Palliative Care in Tulsa, OK.

Whenever the subject of hospice comes up for families, it may seem uncomfortable to ask the question that may also be on one’s mind— 

“Well, who is going to pay for this?” 

How Hospice is Covered in the United States

As your family begins researching what is covered in end-of-life care for a loved one, the cost of care does not need to be a further worry. For this reason, it will likely be reassuring to discover that, in the United States, most hospice care is completely covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Administration plans, or most major insurance plans. 

How Can Insurance Afford This Expense? 

It may seem peculiar that most forms of insurance cover hospice care. The reason for this is because, in comparison to the cost of repeated lengthy hospitalizations, hospice is relatively inexpensive to administer. This lower cost makes covering such care easier for most insurance companies.

How Much of Hospice is Typically Covered?

Due to the lowered cost of administration in comparison to many forms of healthcare, most insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid will cover most all end-of-life care. These items include the cost of medication and other related expenses. 

What About Uninsured Hospice Patients? 

There are occasions when, for one reason or another, a patient cannot afford major insurance coverage and does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. When this is the case, a financial advisor working on behalf of a hospice organization or a non-profit organization can assist patients and their families in securing funding.

Additional Questions? 

No two scenarios are identical, and prices may vary depending on a variety of situations. For this reason, if your family has any questions about paying for hospice care, you’re encouraged to reach out to hospice care professionals in your area. 

Quality Hospice & Palliative Care in Tulsa, OK

For quality hospice care in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, you’re invited to learn about Cura HPC Hospice & Palliative Care.