Hospice Myth #2 - Patients can only receive hospice services for a limited time.

Of all the hospice myths out there, this is one of the myths that keeps people from calling for hospice care when they need it.  So many people are afraid they will "use up" their hospice benefit from their insurance or Medicare/Medicaid.  That's so sad because people should get the help they need, when they need it, no matter what!  

The truth is while the hospice guidelines do require the patient have a life expectancy of less than six months, insurance and Medicare/Medicaid will pay as long as the patient continues to meet the medical criteria for hospice care.  To translate for us non-medical types out there,  as long as the patient is not getting better (ie, not feeling so awesome that they decide to kick up their heels and headline the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular), they can keep receiving hospice care as long as they live. 

Bottom line: whether a patient lives six months, six weeks or six years after being admitted to hospice, they will be taken care of. 

And there is absolutely no reason to wait to seek hospice help when you need it.  It's totally free to call for a hospice assessment.  The nurse will come out and examine the patient.  If they aren't hospice appropriate, the hospice team won't admit, BUT they will tell you what kinds of things to look for in the future, AND we will also guide you as to the services and resources that are appropriate and available to you.  Everything clear as mud?  Good!  Glad I cleared that up!