What to know when considering a hospice provider

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

For some, considering hospice can be scary. However, hospice does not bring on death. Hospice provides peace, comfort, and quality care that is tailored to each individual’s needs. Not all hospice providers are the same; make sure you know what questions to ask. Patients have the legal right to use the hospice agency of their choice – regardless of doctor or insurance affiliation.

What insurance does the hospice provider accept?

Before beginning any type of health care, it is imperative that patients clearly understand if the services they receive will be covered by their insurance. The majority of patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid to cover their healthcare needs. A small percentage rely on other sources, such as private insurance or private pay. Medicare will cover 100% of hospice care services if a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness and has a life expectancy of six months or less AND is no longer seeking curative treatment.

For people who do not qualify for Medicare, most patients utilize private insurance or Medicaid. In Oregon, hospice care is covered by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and private insurance. Lumina does not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. As a nonprofit hospice, Lumina is able to offer charity hospice care.

Where are hospice services provided?

Lumina patients receive care in their own residence, wherever that may be. This could be, but is not limited to, a patient’s private residence, home of a family member, adult foster home, nursing facility, or retirement community. Some hospices have a “hospice house”. Lumina does not have a hospice house, preferring to care for people where they are most comfortable. Not all hospice providers offer inpatient hospice care. If that is an important factor to you, be sure to ask about where services are provided.

How will my family and loved ones be involved?

At Lumina friends, family members, and caregivers are an integral part of a patient’s care team, in addition to the clinical staff. Lumina provides emotional and practical support to families, including support for caregivers and grief support. We will work with you to determine the right support for you.

When considering a hospice provider, be sure to ask how the family will be involved and how communication and decision making will be between the family and the hospice care team.

What other support services are available?

Hospices are required to offer the same minimum level of care and support services. Some hospices go above and beyond what is required. As a nonprofit hospice, Lumina has the ability to offer more support services to our patients and families, and to the community at large. In addition to hospice care, Lumina also offers Palliative Care Case Management and Palliative Consults. This level of care is ideal for patients with a life-limiting illness and significant symptoms despite usual care. Palliative patients can have a life expectancy of us to 2 years.

Lumina also offers a Transitions program for those who are either not ready for or not eligible for hospice or palliative care. This program is ideal for people living with a life-limiting illness who need assistance navigating the physical, social, and emotional changes that arise with the onset of illness. Support is available to the client and to their caregiver(s).

In addition to these services, Lumina also provides grief support, caregiver support, pet therapy, volunteer support, music therapy, We Honor Veterans program, and community education.

Is there help available after hours?

At Lumina, your care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays and weekends. On-call staff are available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support.

To learn more, or to make a referral, contact us at 541.757.9616 or visit our website: https://www.luminahospice.org/hospice-care/