Home » Money & Legal » Paying for Care » Questions » My mother has several major illnesses, and…
Print
Email
Hospice was recommended by her physican for COPD.
Ralph Robbins, Mar 3, 2010
Ralph S. Robbins, CFP© is a fully licensed Certified Financial Planning Practitioner specializing in Eldercare Financial Planning. He works everyday helping families in crisis find creative ways to fund long-term care expenses and deal with family financial issues.
Hi Pcall...Correct me if I am wrong but I am going to assume that "her Partners Advantage" is a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C. If this is indeed the case your mother does not have Original Medicare which permits her to go to any doctor or hospital (or hospice) that accepts Medicare.Instead, her Medicare benefits are being provided by a corporate entity that is paid a monthly capitation to provide almost all of her Medicare benefits including Medicare hospice services.Most Part C Medicare Advantage plans contract with a limited number of ancillary service providers such as hospice. It is likely the hospice provider you have selected is not contracted with Partners Advantage which provides your mother's Medicare benefits.You have the following options:The first thing to do is contact Partners Advantage and ask them if there are participating hospice providers that she can choose from. If you a partial to the hospice provider that told you she has to drop her Medicare plan she can do that. Beware, however, that she will be back on Original Medicare with no supplemental insurance. She will be responsible for deductibles and co-pays which can become exorbitant.Fortunately, she can avoid this two ways: First, since it is not yet March 31st, she can switch to another Part C Medicare Advantage plan that may be contracted with that hospice. You can do this by contacting the hospice provider and asking them who they participate with and then switch to that plan by calling the plan or Medicare. After March 31st she will not be able to do this again until January 1st of next year.Or, if she elects to go back to Original Medicare she can avoid deductibles and co-pays by purchasing a Medicare supplement. This may be difficult to do in your state due to the fact that she has pre-existing conditions, but there are usually one or two carriers, including AARP, that are guaranteed issue.Lastly, there is Medicaid hospice. If mom is virtually impoverished anyway, you might consider applying for Medicaid. Medicare would be her primary so she could use any hospice facility that accepts Medicare and Medicaid will pick up the co-pays and deductibles.Good luck...
(1)
Report this Post
Please stay on topic or ask a new question.
Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!
Is there a place for my mom to go so I can go away for 3 days? Answered 4 mins ago by PghSteelerFan
The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today? Comment 13 mins ago by ladee
Are people with Alzheimer’s disease likely to wander away from home? Answered 13 mins ago by msdiva
My wife's dad pays her for caregiving from his VA pension. How do we claim this income on our tax return? Answered 19 mins ago by dupageflag
WHY DO MY SISTER DO THE THINGS SHE DO Created 20 mins ago by msdiva
More From The Community »
Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers
Like AgingCare.com on Facebook
To use this feature, you must be a member.
Just what a caregiver needs to make life a little easier. Join AgingCare.com for FREE!
Access the Caregiver Forum
Answers and support from caregivers and elder care experts.
Receive Helpful Caregiving Information
Articles on providing care, senior health, financial and legal matters, and more.
Create Your Personal Account
Customize your experience to see what is important to you and your unique caregiving situation.
Already a Member?
Login to your account
Screen name or email address:
Password: