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CHAPTER 5:
FINANCIAL CONCERNS;
A FRUSTRATING JIGSAW PUZZLE

  • Insurance
  • Hospice Care
  • Care Management
  • A Bottom Line

When someone is very ill or frail, money often becomes very important. There are the expected day-to-day costs, such as medications and home help, and unexpected costs such as hospitalization.

Insurance

There are financial experts who work at most hospitals. They can help you understand billing and what is covered by Medicaid, Medicare or your private insurance. If you have no coverage for these services, you need to ask, how/where/to whom can I turn to get coverage?

Questions to Ask
What kind(s) of insurance do I have?
What are the benefits/limits of my coverage(s) for the following types of services:

If you think you can figure out the answers yourself,

Call your plan and ask them questions.

Hospice Care

Some persons with serious illnesses are eligible for Hospice care. Eligible persons:

For more information on Medicare approved hospice programs in your area contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 your state hospice organization, or call the National Hospice Organization Hospice Help line. (800) 658-8898.

Once in Hospice persons receive:

Care Management

Many public and private organizations now offer home services, home treatment, special equipment, home phone management, and much more. Before you sign up, however, it is very important that you consider:

Questions to ask:

A Bottom Line

If you are having difficulties paying for necessities such as food, housing and clothing, you may need to check on income assistance programs. Usually a social service helper will be available at the hospital you last visited to answer your questions.

Some questions to ask:

Contacting Social Security may also be useful. Call 800-772-1213 (national toll free number).

We have tried to make the How's Your Health error-free. However, those involved in its preparation can not warrant that all of the information is accurate and complete. When you use How's Your Health as a guide for your health and medical care, be sure to discuss any questions about it with your doctor, nurse, or other health care worker.