FAQs

   Who is eligible for hospice care?

Hospice services are for patients and their families who agree to receive palliative care, with the objective of easing pain and discomforting symptoms, rather than seeking care that attempts to cure their disease.

The attending physician must also certify that the patient’s estimated prognosis is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. St. Grace Hospice, Inc. does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities.

   What does St. Grace Hospice, Inc. offer?

We offer hospice care and supportive care to bring physical, emotional and spiritual comfort to people with life-threatening illnesses, chronic conditions or serious injuries, caregiver support, support for children and families, grief support groups and counseling, information, resources and more.

   How are St. Grace Hospice, Inc. services paid for?

Services are paid for by Medicare, Medi-Cal, private health insurance and private pay.

   Medicare and Medi-Cal Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries who are qualified for Medicare or Medi-Cal hospice services are covered 100%. The hospice benefit is comprehensive, which means all services, medications, and equipment related to the person’s terminal diagnosis are paid by the hospice.

Medicare hospice benefits

You can get Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of these conditions:

  1. You’re eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance).
  2. Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you are terminally ill and have 6 months or less to live if your illness runs its normal course.
  3. You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered benefits to treat your terminal illness. (Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that are not related to your terminal illness.)
  4. You get care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.

Download the official booklet outlining the Medicare hospice benefit.

Private Health Insurance

For those who are not a Medicare or Medi-Cal beneficiary, hospice care is a benefit covered by most private insurers. Our experienced staff members can help you determine coverage and authorization for hospice services.

Private Pay

Private Pay is a type of payment where the patient’s own resources pay for the care. Questions? Need arrangements? Just call our competent and experienced staff and ask for our Billing Department to get someone who can properly help you.

   Does St. Grace Hospice, Inc. do anything to make death come sooner?

We do not do anything to make death come sooner. We neither hasten nor postpone death. Our goal is always to alleviate suffering and manage symptoms. Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. Our role is to lend support and allow the disease process to unfold as comfortably as possible. Accordingly, adjustments are made to the plan of care throughout the progression of the terminal illness.

   Does a person need to sign a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order to be cared for by St. Grace Hospice, Inc.?

No, some hospice patients choose a DNR; some choose to remain full code. Our Medical professional can discuss the benefits and disadvantages of both choices.

   Once a patient is on St. Grace Hospice, Inc. services, do they keep their same Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

Yes, if the patient would like to and the PCP is agreeable. If the PCP does not wish to follow their patient onto hospice services, our Medical Director is available to serve as the PCP.

   Are hospice services limited to cancer patients?

No, the hospice benefit covers all types of terminal illnesses, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s/dementia, heart, kidney, lung, stroke, and other diseases.

   How does hospice “manage pain and other symptoms”?

A personalized plan of care is established for each individual patient by the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The emphasis is on controlling pain and symptoms through medications and other advanced techniques available.

Contact us to have one of our trained expert staff to assess your situation and discuss all of your care options.

   Where are patients cared for?

St. Grace Hospice, Inc. specializes in home hospice care bringing the care one deserves into their home or related facility where the patient resides, as in, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, board & care or residential care facilities for the elderly.

   Are medications and medical equipment provided?

Yes, basic medical equipment, supplies, and medications related to the hospice diagnosis and care are provided at no cost to the patient.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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