How Do I Pay for Hospice Care?
Hospice of the Northwest is a Medicare-certified, Washington State-approved hospice. This means two things:
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- We are fully accredited by an objective third party and accountable to a nationally-held quality standard.
- Because we are a Medicare-certified Hospice, our services are paid through Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and/or most private insurers.
When patients use a Medicare-certified hospice, the financial burdens often associated with caring for a terminally-ill patient are lifted.
These Hospice Benefits cover nearly all aspects of hospice care with little out-of-pocket expense to the patient or family. Bringing in a Medicare-certified hospice care provider brings great relief during one of life’s most difficult times
What can hospice care do for you and your circle of support?
Hospice of the Northwest provides a dedicated care team for each patient and works with them to create an individualized care plan focused on the patient’s specific needs and goals. The Hospice care team also provides support to families, loved ones, and the circle of support. This brings an added level of relief for the patient, knowing their loved ones are being cared for as well.
Medicare covers these hospice services and pays nearly all of their costs:
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Doctor services- Nursing care
- Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)
- Medical supplies (like bandages and catheters)
- Drugs for symptom control and pain relief
- Short-term care in the hospital, including respite and inpatient for pain and symptom management
- Hospice care aide services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Social work services
- Dietary counseling
- Grief support
Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren’t related to your primary hospice diagnosis.
Hospice of the Northwest uses a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, coordination of resources, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and goals. Circles of support making end-of-life decisions for a loved one need compassion and support, not financial worries. Support from a Medicare-certified hospice helps alleviate these concerns.
List of private insurance accepted
- Aetna
- Amerigroup
- CIGNA
- Community Health Plan of Washington
- Coordinated Care
- First Choice
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Molina
- Premera
- Regence
- TriWest
- TriCare
- United Health Care
Financial assistance available
Hospice of the Northwest is supported by a network of generous, community donors who fund programs and services through the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation. In addition to funding extra programs and services, such as the suite of non-medication-based Integrative Services, the Foundation provides financial assistance for patients without Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
No patient has ever been turned away from Hospice of the Northwest due to an inability to pay for hospice services.
If you are concerned about paying for hospice care, call the Referral Center or talk with your dedicated care team. We are here to help.
If you have any questions about paying for hospice or want to learn more about the process, please contact our Referral Center at 360-814-5550 or fill out the email form.
“The Medicare benefit pays for your medicines. It pays for all the visits that we do. Once you come on hospice, all of that is taken care of. We never turn anyone away for inability to pay or lack of insurance.”
Bob Laws, Executive Director
Video: How to Pay for Hospice Care