Who is eligible for Hospice Care? Patient must have a life-threatening illness certified by the primary physician and seeks medical, psychosocial and personal support. Patient or family (if patient cannot do so) must give informed consent. Who pays for Hospice Care? Medicare part A/Medi-Cal Health Insurance, HMOs & PPOs Private payers Non-discrimination Policy New Haven Hospice Care, Inc. does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color, age or national origin or on the basis of disability in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities.

Myths and Facts about Hospice Care Hospice care is about helping patients live each day of their lives to the fullest extent possible, and providing support to both patients and families. Whan making a decision about hospice care, it helps to have good understanding of what hospice is, and what it isn't. Here are some  of the most commot misconceptions about hospice, along facts about this special kind of care. Myth: Hospice is a place. Fact: Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of your home, but can be provided in any environment in which you live, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care facilities.   Myth: Hospice are all the same. Fact: Hospice varies with services that they provide. It relies on the quality of care.   Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon die. Fact: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize your medical condition and address other needs.   Myth: Families have to pay for hospice care. Fact: Hospice care is a Medicare and Medicaid benefit. Most private insurers also cover hospice care.   Myth: Patients have to give up their own doctor. Fact: Patients may keep their own physician, who will work closely with the hospice physician to plan and carry out care.   Myth: Patient must have DNR Fact: A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is not required for admission to Hospice as long as treatment goals are palliative. Hospice educates the patient and family in understanding the benefits and burdens of Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation.   Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patient. Fact: A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, end stage dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other life threatening conditions.   Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time. Fact: The Medicare and Medicaid benefit and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care, and re-enroll in hospice care, as needed.   Myth: Hospice is just for the patient. Fact: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, but also family members and others who are caregivers, is the highest priority.   Myth: Hospice services ends when patient dies. Fact: When Patient dies, bereavement support to the family will continue up to 13 months.