Is there a cost?
Palliative care is a medical specialty that helps people with a variety of serious illnesses find a better quality of life.
Is There a Cost?
For the majority of Community Hospice patients over 65 and enrolled in Medicare, the cost of hospice care is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit with no out-of-pocket expenses for the patient or family. Hospice care also is covered through the Florida Medicaid Hospice Benefit and most private insurance plans.
Our care is provided regardless of an individual’s ability to pay thanks to generous contributions from community supporters.
Contact us today for information or to arrange a visit to explain our services and coverage under the MEDICARE HOSPICE BENEFIT.
Medicare Hospice Benefit
The Medicare Hospice Benefit is designed to meet the unique needs of those with a life-limiting illness, providing them and their loved ones with services and support not otherwise covered by Medicare.
Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, beneficiaries elect to receive comfort care for their hospice diagnosis instead of curative treatment. The patient may continue to access standard Medicare benefits for treatment of conditions unrelated to the hospice diagnosis.
If you have any questions, please call 904.268.5200 and ask to speak with someone in our Finance department.
Medicare Summary Notice
Quarterly, Medicare patients receive from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services a Medicare Summary Notice that lists Medicare health insurance claims information, and services and supplies billed to Medicare for a 90-day-period—for both hospice and non-hospice claims.
This is not a bill. Hospice care is an “all-inclusive” benefit; you do not owe any money for any of the hospice care provided to you by Community Hospice & Palliative Care. Learn more about the Medicare Summary Notice.
For more information about Medicare, call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.
Florida Medicaid Hospice Coverage
Medicaid is a state-run program funded by the state and federal governments that provides medical assistance for individuals and families with limited income and resources. The Florida Medicaid Hospice Benefit is essentially identical to the Medicare benefits described previously.
If you believe that you qualify for Medicaid hospice coverage, we are available to help you understand your Medicaid coverage as it relates to our hospice care. Please call 904.268.5200 and ask to speak with someone in our finance department.
Private Insurance Coverage
Community Hospice & Palliative Care accepts most private insurance. Insurance hospice benefits are paid according to your insurance plan’s coverage and are subject to your deductible, co-payment and the out-of-pocket requirements of the individual plan.
It is the policy of Community Hospice & Palliative Care to ensure the availability of end-of-life care to all individuals who are eligible for hospice care regardless of their ability to pay for services. However, Community Hospice & Palliative Care, in order to protect its ability to provide care for all, will bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, if available.