MEDICARE'S HOSPICE BENEFIT
Hospice care is available as a benefit under Medicare Part A. The Medicare Hospice Benefit is designed to meet the unique needs of those who have a terminal illness, providing them and their loved ones with special support and services not otherwise provided by Medicare. Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Beneficiaries elect to receive non-curative treatment and services for their terminal illness by waiving the standard Medicare benefits for the treatment of a terminal illness. However, the beneficiary may continue to access standard Medicare benefits for treatment of conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HOSPICE BENEFITS UNDER MEDICARE?
Hospice benefits are available to Medicare beneficiaries who: Are certified by their doctor and the hospice medical director as terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less; Sign a statement choosing hospice care using the Medicare Hospice Benefit, rather than curative treatment and standard Medicare covered benefits for their terminal illness; and Enroll in a Medicare approved hospice.

WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED?
*The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the following services as long as they relate to the terminal diagnosis and are outlined in the patient's care plan:
*Physicians services for the medical direction of the patient's care, provided by either the patient's personal physician or a physician affiliated with a hospice program;
*Regular home care visits by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to monitor the patient's condition and to provide appropriate care and maintain patient comfort;
*Home health aide and homemaker services such as dressing and bathing that address the patient's personal needs;
*Chaplain services for the patient and/or loved ones, if desired;
*Social work and counseling services;
*Bereavement counseling to help patients and their loved ones with grief and loss;
*Medical equipment (i.e., hospital beds);
*Medical supplies (i.e., bandages and catheters);
*Drugs for symptom control and pain relief;
*Volunteer support to assist the patient and loved ones;
*Physical, speech, and occupational therapy; and
*Dietary counseling.