The patient and family then have the option to select the provider. After reviewing the Alternative Benefit Plan, the patient and family can decide whether or not to accept the plan. Participation is entirely voluntary. The total amount of benefits paid under the Alternative Benefit Plan exceeds the amount that would be payable under the patient's regular hospital coverage. A hospice is an agency or facility that is primarily involved in providing care to terminally ill individuals.
Hospice care is designed to replace inpatient hospital care.
Services may be provided in hospice facilities or in the home. Hospice benefits replace the benefits available under your current coverage. However, any services you receive for conditions unrelated to the terminal illness ate still covered by your current benefits. Your coverage includes skilled nursing care for general health conditions in an approved convalescent facility. Available convalescent care days are based on the number of your unused hospital days.