FAQ

Aggressive and continued medical treatment can offer patients extended time but can also debilitate the human body to the point that quality of life is diminished. Patients may be eligible for hospice after a physician certifies a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Even if a patient surpasses this 6-month mark, a patient can still receive hospice services as long as they continue to show decline.

Key Factors that can help determine if Hospice is necessary:

• Increased nausea/vomiting

• Progressive weight loss

• Decreased appetite

• Frequent hospitalizations

• Consistent pain

• Benefits of medication and treatment no longer outweigh the negative effects

Routine

General in patient

Respite

24-hour continuous care
The most common type of care in hospice is routine care but Valor offers GIP for unmanageable crisis at the end of life with a contracted in-patient facility. Respite care is provided for a 5 day consecutive stay at a contracted in-patient facility to offer relief to the loved ones and caregivers of the beneficiary. Lastly, continuous care is an at home 24 hour care provided by a licensed nurse to help manage common crises such as uncontrolled pain and respiratory distress at the end of life.

If the patient makes an improvement or remission, the patient may be discharged from hospice at any time throughout a benefit period. Should the patient begin to decline again or develop another terminal illness, the patient may be readmitted to hospice at no penalty and at any time.

Medicare and Medicare and Medicaid Advantage plans offer the Hospice benefit. Occasionally, commercial plans as well will have the hospice benefit for those who are eligible.