The cost of providing care to patients and their families is provided in part by fundraising efforts. Thus, continued financial support from individuals and groups is essential to ensure the future of Christian Nursing Hospice services. Donations are welcome to support this worthy program. Part A Claims Effect on Regular Medicare Benefits Services Not Covered General Information about the Hospice Benefit Hospice care is a benefit available under Medicare Part A. You can elect to receive hospice care rather than regular Medicare benefits for the management of your illness. Hospice care may be provided for up to 210 days, or even longer in some cases.
Emphasis is on providing comfort and relief from pain.
The Medicare hospice benefit will cover palliative and supportive care, but not curative care. If the patient elects to pursue curative care, they can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy. They have the option to choose hospice again at a later date. Medicare pays the entire bill for hospice care. Your doctor certifies that you are in the last phase of an incurable illness with a prognosis of six months or less.