Hospice in Missoula, MT

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

Located in the northern rockies and surrounded by valleys of green, Missoula Montana is perfect for peaceful adventures. The sights are stunning at every angle and you can’t underestimate the mountain air. Missoula has a lively music scene and is known for its cultivation of art and education. Expect great food, live music and creativity at every turn.

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. 

Hospice can be provided in the home or a facility. Facilities in this area could accept Medicare, State Medicaid, private payers and long-term care insurance. 

CareAvailability.com has been used by families and care professionals to find real-time openings and provide a comprehensive list of options for care. We do all the work for you when it comes to finding the best care. We do extensive research on facilities and companies to provide you with the most current information and care availability.

About Hospice in Missoula

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 Missoula

Missoula’s population is 74,882 with 5 hospice centers downtown and 11 within the area. The weather is seasonal and mountain climate. The hot season is from June 18 to September 10, with an average daily high temperature above 76°F and the coldest season is in January, although periods of subzero air occur occasionally in December and February.

Cities Near Missoula

• Lolo – 10 miles south of Missoula
• Clinton – 17 miles south east of Missoula
• Arlee – 27 miles north of Missoula 
• Alberton – 29 miles north west of Missoula

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.

Hospice Care resources and links

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 Missoula

Providence St. Patrick Hospital

500 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802

Community Medical Center

2827 Fort Missoula Rd, Missoula, MT 59804

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.