Massachusetts Hospice Care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
Plymouth is a coastal town in Massachusetts. It is the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, founded in 1620. Plymouth Rock, a boulder in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, marks the place where settlers are thought to have landed on shore. Plymouth County offers cranberry farms, beautiful nature walks and more. The town and county of Plymouth boasts some of the best whale watching, dining, shopping, and cultural activities in a quaint New England setting, much of it nestled along the seashore. It is a history lover’s paradise, a family friendly atmosphere, and easy walking as you take in breathtaking sunrises.
- Massachusetts Hospice Care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
- About Hospice in Plymouth
- Considerations when looking for care in Plymouth
- Cities Near Plymouth
- Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Plymouth
- 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 Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Plymouth has 60,803 residents with one hospice provider in the city center. There are over 70 in the surrounding area as well. The hottest month of the year in Plymouth is July, with an average high of 80°F and low of 63°F. The coldest month of the year in Plymouth is January, with an average low of 23°F and high of 38°F.
Skilled Nursing Facility Communities near Plymouth, Massachusetts
Southwood At Norwell Nursing Center
Norwell, Massachusetts 02061
Savoy Nursing & Rehab Center
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
The Oaks
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745
New England Sinai Hospital Transitional Care Unit
Stoughton, Massachusetts 02072
Linden Ponds
Hingham, Massachusetts 02043
Alliance Health At Braintree
Braintree, Massachusetts 02184
Dwyer Home
Weymouth, Massachusetts 02190
Cardigan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Scituate, Massachusetts 02066
Life Care Center Of West Bridgewater
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02379
Baypointe Rehab Center
Brockton, Massachusetts 02301
Cities Near Plymouth
- Boston – 40 miles north of Plymouth
- Middleborough – 15 miles west of Plymouth
- Plympton – 11 miles west of Plymouth
- Brockton – 24 miles north of Plymouth
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 Plymouth
VA Boston Healthcare System
116 Long Pond Rd #4, Plymouth, MA 02360
Senior Behavioral Health Center
275 Sandwich St, Plymouth, MA 02360
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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