Hospice in Billings, MT

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Billings Montana: Search Near You, How To Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions To Ask

The city of Billings is the perfect launchpad for wilderness sports. The mountains  are close for hiking and sightseeing. The yellowstone river runs along the perimeter of the city, perfect for fishing. Hunting and rodeo.

Hospice is a coordinated program of home and inpatient health care that provides or coordinates palliative and supportive care to a terminally ill person. The patient and their family may need care in the form of physical, psychological, spiritual, and or social matters. Stress is often experienced during the final stages of illness and dying and no one should have to go through that alone. 

family visiting grandmother in hospice

About Hospice in Billings

In the state of Montana hospice (or hospice program) means a public agency or private organization which is primarily engaged in providing hospice care. The core services of hospice providers are physician services, nursing services, pastoral counseling, services provided by trained volunteers, and counseling services routinely provided by trained hospice staff. Hospice staff can be volunteers or paid employees that have gone through training via their organization so as to properly care for the family and patient as well as coordinating with nurses and primary care doctors for further care. A hospice program may be licensed to operate either as a part of a licensed hospital with or without its own license if the hospital’s hospice program meets the requirements.

Considerations when looking for care in Billings, Montana

Billings has 8 centers with hospice within 70 miles of city center. There are many options in this booming city of 117,445 people. The weather is classic mountain climate with the cold season lasting from November 18 to February 27, with an average daily high temperature below 46°F and the hot season from June 14 to September 10, with an average daily high temperature above 79°F. 

Cities Near Billings

  • Lockwood – 7 miles east of Billings
  • Huntley – 15 miles east of Billings 
  • Laurel – 16 miles west of Billings
  • Toluca – 37 miles east of Billings

How to pay for Hospice Care?

Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid (in 43 states) covers hospice care for patients who meet eligibility criteria.

Private insurance and veterans’ benefits may also cover hospice care under certain conditions. In addition, some hospice programs offer healthcare services on a sliding fee scale basis for patients with limited income and resources. To get help with your Medicare questions call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov. Additional information about how to pay for hospice care can be found at the Public Policy Institute of the AARP.

Who Pays for Palliative Care?

Medicare, Medicaid, many insurers, and healthcare plans will cover the medical portions—physician and nurse services—of palliative care.

Veterans may be eligible for palliative care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Check with your doctor and healthcare plan to see what insurance will cover in your particular situation. Unlike the comprehensive hospice benefit, there is no comprehensive palliative care benefit.

Medicare.gov is the resource for all things related to Medicare. The official website where you can learn abut eligibility and signing up and any questions you may have regarding coverage.

Medicaid.gov is the most relevant resource for any questions or concerns regarding all things Medicaid.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Billings

St. Vincent Healthcare

1233 N 30th St, Billings, MT 59101

Yellowstone Medical Center

2900 12th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101

Billings VA Clinic

1775 Spring Creek Ln, Billings, MT 59102

Questions about Hospice Care

Is Hospice only for those who have cancer? 

No. It is for anyone with a terminal illness who has been given a prognosis by their doctor of six months or less.  

Do only elderly people use these services.  

It is for all age groups during the final stages of their life. The intention is to allow people to enjoy the closeness of family and a comfortable environment in the last stages of their life.  

Do people on hospice die immediately? 

This care does not hasten death. Though, studies have shown people often live longer than those with the same or similar illnesses who do not choose hospice. 

Are all hospices the same? 

The United States offers thousands of hospices. Most engage in Medicare, which requires certain services for the person in care. So, there is a standard operating procedure.  

How can I afford Hospice care? Is it expensive. 

Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, and your personal insurance. 

Is Hospice is only provided in the individual’s home? 

NO, Care is provided wherever the person is, which could be a long-term care facility or a hospital. Being take care of at home is always an option. 

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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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