Boston Massachusetts Hospice Care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
The city of Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the Northeastern United States. With a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone. There are endless walking tours of neighborhoods and sites. Many venues for performing arts and sports. Boston is full of historic charm in its architecture and its cuisine, with classic seaport views. Boston prides itself on inclusivity and charishes all visitors and residents alike.
- Boston Massachusetts Hospice Care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
- About Hospice in Boston
- Considerations when looking for care in Boston
- Cities Near Boston
- Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Boston
- How to pay for Hospice Care?
- Who Pays for Palliative Care?
- Questions and inquiries
- Local Resources and Links – Massachusetts
- Search other areas for Hospice Care
About Hospice in Boston
In Massachusetts, The Department of Public Health licenses and monitors hospice care services. Regulations address requirements for hospices contracting with state Medicaid programs and the rules pertaining to patients. Visit https://www.hospicealliance.org/ to see each state’s codes and how they apply to care regulations.
Hospice care is a concept of care, not a specific place of care. It is for those who have been living with a terminal illness or only recently received a serious diagnosis of six months or less life expectancy. This specific type of care is there to ease the burden of 24-hour care. Hospice provides a respectful, comfortable care setting for your loved one’s final months and weeks or days. It is an option to consider and can be especially helpful for families, or those seniors without family to provide end-of-life care.
Considerations when looking for care in Boston
The hottest month of the year in Boston is July, with an average high of 82°F and low of 66°F. The cold season lasts from December 4 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature below 45°F. With a population of 654,776, boston hosts #
Hospice Communities near Boston, Massachusetts
Convenient Homecare Services, Inc
Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776
Pathways Healthcare
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Maestro-connections Vna
Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843
Beth Israel Lahey Health At Home
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Chelsea Jewish Visiting Nurse Agency
Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150
All Care Vna-greater Lynn Inc
Lynn, Massachusetts 01901
Accentcare Home Health Of Massachusetts
Westwood, Massachusetts 02090
South Shore Visiting Nurse Association
Rockland, Massachusetts 02370
Visiting Nurse And Community Care
Arlington, Massachusetts 02474
Beth Israel Lahey Health At Home – Watertown
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
Cities Near Boston
- Salem – 22 miles north of Boston
- Quincy – 9 miles south of Boston
- Plymouth – 40 miles south of Boston
- Lexington – 13 miles west of Boston
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.
Questions and inquiries
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.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Boston
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Boston Medical Center
Shapiro Center, 725 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118
New England Baptist Hospital
125 Parker Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02120
East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
10 Gove St, Boston, MA 02128
Local Resources and Links – Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging seeks to outreach to older persons and their caregivers, hoping to educate them on services and programs that are meant to serve and assist them to remain safely and securely in our communities.
Age Strong Commission As an AAA, the Commission provides funding to community partners to provide services to seniors in the neighborhoods. The Commission also provides direct services to seniors such as advocacy, information and referral, transportation, volunteer opportunities and cultural and social events.
Executive Office of Elder Affairs State Agency that contracts with local service providers.
Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. is an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) providing services to help preserve the independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
Search other areas for Hospice Care
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