Hospice Services

Hospice services provide specialized support for individuals facing a life-limiting condition. At Anarcare, our focus includes alleviating pain, providing comfort and dignity to achieve the best quality of life available to the client. Our compassionate team works closely with patients and their caregivers and families to ensure personalized care delivered in a supportive environment.

Palliation of pain and symptoms
In-home care to support familiarity and promote comfort
Emotional, social, and spiritual support tailored to each individual
Medical equipment, medications, and counseling services
Support for family members and caregivers
Hospice care extends beyond cancer and is available for individuals facing any life-limiting illness including but not limited to other conditions like dementia, heart failure, COPD, Cirrhosis and many conditions that are now permanent or can not be resolved.

Utilizing the Hospice Benefit (How it works)

When you opt for hospice care, our team will work closely with you and those you designate to be involved, and together we create a personalized care plan that meets your needs while honoring and accommodating your preferences.
Service will be delivered at home, in a care facility, or wherever you live. This team remains committed to ensuring your comfort and support every step of the way.

Our interdisciplinary care team includes:

Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Counselors and social workers
Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists
Dieticians and nutritionists
Nursing aides and homemakers
Volunteers

You and your loved ones will have 24/7 access to hospice nurses and doctors who are available to provide care and answer questions at any time.

You can choose to include your established doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant as part of your hospice care team to ensure continuity and familiarity.

Who Can Receive Hospice Care

To be eligible for hospice services, individuals must meet the specific criteria set forth by Medicare:
- A Medical Doctor must confirm a condition considered “Terminal” or “Life limiting”. The patient may still continue treatment for other unrelated conditions.
- The patient has either exhausted all aggressive treatment options or is no longer seeking curative treatment.
- The patient must choose to receive comfort-focused (palliative) care rather than aggressive intervention.
If you or a loved one are facing concerns regarding a serious illness and wish to have the condition managed in the place you live, our team can help determine if the Medicare hospice benefit is the right option for you.

What is Covered Under Hospice Care

Once hospice begins, Medicare or Medicaid covers all services related to your terminal illness and any associated conditions—as long as care is provided by a Medicare-approved hospice provider.

Covered Services Include:

Nursing services
Hospice physician consultations
Medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks)
Medical supplies (e.g., wipes, diapers, wound care supplies, catheters)
Prescription medications for symptom relief
Nursing aide and homemaker assistance (e.g., grooming, dressing, bathing)
Physical and occupational therapy
Speech-language pathology services
Services from social workers and counselors
Dietary and nutrition counseling
Grief and loss support for patients and families
Inpatient care for pain and symptom management, if needed
Short-term respite care
Additional services recommended by your hospice team as medically necessary

We recommend you always ask about the best approach to managing your pain and symptoms under the hospice palliative umbrella—even if you choose not to proceed with hospice care.

Who Pays for Hospice Care

Medicare and Medicaid cover most of your hospice care costs with no deductible.
You’ll continue paying your regular Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, which still apply to medical expenses unrelated to hospice services.
Private insurance coverage may vary. Most plans cover hospice care with regular deductibles and co-pay structures.
If you require room and board in a facility, Medicare covers the hospice benefit, while Medicaid may pay for the living expenses.
If you require hospital care due to your illness, your hospice provider must coordinate the admission for Medicare to cover the costs.
A quick consult with a hospice representative can help determine whether a service is covered under the hospice benefit or will be billed through your regular insurance.
The hospice company operates independently and does not mediate insurance policy terms. That relationship remains between you and your insurance carrier.

What Hospice Care Doesn’t Include

Treatments to cure your illness
Drugs unrelated to the terminal illness (may be covered by Part D)
Care from outside providers not coordinated by hospice
Room and board (unless part of short-term respite or inpatient care)
Emergency services not arranged by hospice
Out-of-network services without hospice coordination

Duration of Hospice Care

Hospice care is originally designed for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. However, terminal conditions can be unpredictable. Clients may continue receiving hospice care as long as the physician certifies that the terminal illness persists and the need for hospice care is justified.
Hospice care is divided into benefit periods:
- Two initial 90-day periods
- Followed by unlimited 60-day periods
You do not need to reapply or reselect hospice services each time—your hospice provider manages that process for you.
Recertification by a physician is required at the end of every benefit period to continue receiving hospice care.

Stopping Hospice Care

You have the right to stop hospice services at any time—especially if your health improves or your illness goes into remission. If you choose to stop, your hospice provider will ask you to sign a form confirming the end date of care.

Only you can make the decision to stop hospice care. Never sign any forms unless you personally requested them.

If you were on Medicare, you’ll continue with that coverage and can return to hospice care later if needed.

If you were on a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can stay in the same plan and continue coverage—as long as you keep paying your plan’s premiums.

We always recommend you consult with your hospice representative or physician before making any decisions.