How will I afford hospice?

If your child qualifies, the hospice benefit is 100% covered by Medicare Advantage and Medicaid. Most insurance plans also cover hospice care, but coinsurance and any remaining deductible may apply. We accept eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay.

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Where can my child receive hospice care?

At Heart of Hospice, we care for patients wherever they call home. Our patients are in their own homes throughout the community.

Does my child have to stop treatment to have hospice?

Through concurrent care, pediatric patients may continue their curative treatments while receiving hospice or palliative care.

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How does my child get hospice?

Call us at 1.844.HOH.0411. Anyone can refer a patient to our services. One of our team members will visit your child, assess his or her needs, and work with your pediatrician to determine if your child qualifies for the benefit. Meeting with our team is free of charge and we can help you make an informed decision about your child's care.

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What if we change our minds?

The hospice benefit is an elective benefit. Your child can stop it at any time and renew their traditional healthcare. Some of our patients even graduate from hospice and are discharged from services because their condition improves and they no longer qualify. If your child is discharged from services, our team will continue to follow up with you and ensure your child gets the care he or she needs.

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Do we have to give up hope to have hospice?

Heart of Hospice does not ask you or your child to be ready to give up hope, comforting treatments, or your pediatrician. Our medical, psychosocial, and spiritual care is tailored to meet you and your child's needs as you define them. You might ask yourself: What do we need to be ready for? Are we ready to be comfortable? Are we ready to have a team to support us where we want to live? Are we ready to have emotional and spiritual support for myself and my child?

When we ask our patients and families about their experience with hospice, most of them say, “We wish we had chosen the benefit sooner.” Readiness isn’t a requirement to receive the quality, comprehensive care hospice provides.

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Can we go to the hospital if my child has hospice?

If you and your child need to go to the hospital, you can. Hospice provides four levels of care to meet your child's needs as his or her situation changes, including hospitalization. Routine home care is the basic level of hospice care provided wherever you call home. The benefit also includes continuous care for times of medical crisis to keep your child comfortable at home. When family members need support, the benefit also covers short-term respite care for up to five days in a contracted facility or hospital. Lastly, hospice provides general inpatient care in a hospital or hospice inpatient unit for symptom control that cannot otherwise be provided at home.

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