Hospice Equipment: What's Available On Loan?

Hospice care can take place in a patient's home, a nursing facility, or an assisted living community. This means that patients and their families may need to acquire medical equipment and supplies to ensure the patient is comfortable and receiving proper care. In most cases, patients' insurance will cover the cost of medical equipment and supplies, and the hospice team will coordinate the delivery and set-up of any necessary equipment. For example, Crossroads Hospice & Palliative provides all medication, medical equipment, and supplies related to the patient's diagnosis at no cost to the patient or family. Additionally, Paul Sartori provides a free equipment loan service to patients.

Hospice care usually takes place at home, but homes are not medical facilities

Hospice care is a supportive service provided to patients with a serious illness, often in the comfort of their own homes. While this care usually takes place at home, it is important to remember that homes are not medical facilities. Hospice care can also be provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or inpatient hospice facilities.

When receiving hospice care at home, patients and their families may wonder how they can access the necessary medical equipment and supplies. Indeed, homes are not inherently equipped with the same medical resources as dedicated healthcare institutions. However, hospice care providers play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the required equipment and supplies at home.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies provide coverage for hospice care, including medical equipment and supplies. This alleviates the financial burden on families, as they typically do not have to pay out of pocket for these expenses. Once a patient begins hospice care, a hospice nurse assesses the need for medical equipment and supplies, and arrangements are made for their delivery and setup.

The hospice team works closely with the patient's physician to determine the specific equipment and supplies required, and they continuously evaluate the patient's condition to adjust the equipment as needed. This can include items such as oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and wheelchairs. The hospice team also educates caregivers on using the equipment properly and provides support throughout the patient's journey.

Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance companies provide coverage for hospice care

Hospice care is covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance companies, including medical equipment and supplies. This means that families of terminally ill patients typically do not have to pay for any medical equipment or supplies out of pocket. However, it is always advisable to confirm with your insurance provider to avoid unexpected expenses. Some insurance companies may require that you acquire equipment from certain sellers.

Medicare Part A can cover hospice care for patients who are certified by their hospice doctor and regular doctor to be terminally ill, with a life expectancy of six months or less. Patients must also accept palliative care instead of curative treatment for their illness. Once qualified, patients can receive hospice care for two 90-day benefit periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods. Medicare-approved hospice care can be received at home, in a facility, or at an inpatient hospice facility. While Medicare covers hospice care, it does not include room and board expenses if the patient chooses to live in a facility, such as a nursing home.

Medicaid also covers hospice care, including respite care and inpatient care in a nursing facility for short stays. Additionally, Medicaid can cover room and board expenses in a skilled nursing facility if the patient meets the state's financial eligibility requirements.

Most private insurance plans cover hospice care and other end-of-life services, typically covering the full cost of hospice services. However, each insurance company may have unique requirements, such as discontinuing curative measures before starting hospice care. It is important to contact the insurance provider for specific details on coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Hospice teams assess patients' conditions and coordinate the delivery of necessary equipment

Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals who address the patient's medical, physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs. This team includes a physician, nurse, medical social worker, home health aide, and chaplain/spiritual counsellor. They focus on the person, not the illness, as they coordinate patient care, clarify the goals of care, and foster communication. Hospice care can be provided at home or in an assisted living centre, nursing home, or hospital.

When hospice care is requested, the patient's overall health is assessed by the primary care physician and the hospice medical director. If the patient is eligible for hospice care, the medical director, in conjunction with the patient's physician, will determine what equipment and supplies are required. The hospice team will then coordinate the delivery and setup of the necessary equipment at the patient's location. This includes medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, or walkers, and supplies like oxygen tanks, bandages, and catheters. The hospice team will also provide instruction and education on using the equipment and supplies.

As the patient's condition evolves, the hospice team will ensure that the appropriate equipment is delivered or removed as needed. For example, an oxygen tank may not be required initially but may become necessary later in the patient's care. The hospice team will work closely with the patient's family or caregivers to navigate these changes and provide support.

In most cases, the cost of hospice medical equipment and supplies is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance companies. This ensures that patients and their families do not incur out-of-pocket expenses for the equipment. However, it is essential to confirm with the insurance provider to avoid unexpected costs, as some companies may require equipment to be acquired from specific sellers.

Hospice equipment is loaned for free or at no cost to the patient or family

Hospice equipment is often loaned for free or at no cost to the patient or their family. Medicare, Medicaid, and most individual insurance companies usually cover 100% of hospice medical equipment and supplies related to a patient's terminal diagnosis. Some hospices, like Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, will coordinate with these organizations to provide all necessary medication, equipment, and supplies at no cost to the patient or their family. This allows the patient and their family to focus on spending time together instead of worrying about financial concerns. Crossroads Hospice also provides expert instruction on the proper use of all hospice medical equipment and supplies.

Similarly, the Convalescent Aid Society loans durable medical equipment to residents of the San Gabriel Valley free of charge for as long as they need it. They recycle donated medical equipment by repairing and sanitizing gently used items. The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home also provides a rapid, short-term equipment loan service to patients who meet their criteria and are in the palliative stages of any life-limiting disease.

Beth Donovan Hospice also offers a medical equipment lending program with a vast array of equipment available to the community free of charge. They do, however, require a credit card in case the equipment is not returned after the 3-month lending period or if it is returned dirty or damaged.

While hospice care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance companies, it is important to note that financial concerns can still play a role in end-of-life decisions. Inpatient treatment, for example, can add costs to end-of-life care, and hospital hospice care covered by Medicare typically requires specific symptoms that cannot be managed outside of a hospital setting.

Hospice providers can answer questions about medical equipment and hospice care

Hospice care is a service for people with serious illnesses who choose not to seek treatment to cure or control their illness. It provides comfort and peace to improve the patient's quality of life and also helps family members cope with their loved one's illness. Hospice providers can answer questions about medical equipment and hospice care.

When you first request hospice care, the primary care physician and the hospice medical director will assess your loved one's health and determine what medical equipment and supplies are needed. Hospice care will provide all medication and hospice medical equipment and supplies related to the patient's diagnosis at no cost to the patient or family. Hospice staff are available 24/7 to provide support and answer questions about the use of hospice equipment and supplies.

The hospice team will coordinate the delivery and setup of any equipment at your home or assisted living facility. They will also educate you on the proper use of the equipment and supplies. As your loved one's condition changes, the equipment and supplies will be adjusted accordingly. For example, an oxygen tank may not be needed in the first month but may become necessary in the third month.

Hospice providers can answer any additional concerns you may have regarding medical equipment or hospice care in general. It is important to ask questions and understand the available services to make an informed decision about hospice care. Hospice care is a difficult decision, and providers are there to help guide you and ensure your loved one receives the best possible care.

Frequently asked questions