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Hospice: A Benefit Covered by Medicare and Medicaid––Visiting Nurse Association

Oftentimes patients and their families are reluctant to discuss hospice care with the physician when confronted with the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Hospice is not giving up on life and simply choosing to die. Hospice provides comfort care and pain management so that patients enjoy quality of life during the final phase of a terminal illness. […]

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Hospice: A benefit covered by Medicare and Medicaid – VNA, LIVING WELL Magazine

Hospice: A Benefit Covered by Medicare and Medicaid

By Robert Smith, VNA, Collin LIVING WELL Magazine
Often patients and their families are reluctant to discuss the option of hospice care with the physician when confronted with the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Don’t be hesitant to do so. Sometimes physicians and clinicians fail to suggest hospice until the patient is near death and the benefits are lost to the patient and loved ones. Your discussion with your physician about hospice should include your right to choose the agency you prefer. Remember, hospice is a service covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance companies. […]