If you or a loved one is a veteran and has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is approaching the final phase of your life and hospice care is required, you may be worrying about the costs and likely have questions like “Does the VA cover Hospice?” and “What is included?”
Does the VA Cover Room and Board in Hospice?
The VA does not cover hospice rooms and boarding but it does cover the hospice care itself for enrolled veterans who meet their clinical needs as part of its standard medical benefits package. There is no copay for hospice care, whether the care is provided by the VA or an organization with a VA contract.
VA Hospice Benefits
VA hospice care benefits include:
- Hospice diagnosis-related visits by interdisciplinary staff
- Medications
- Supplies
- Durable medical equipment
- Ancillary services are outlined in the care plan
- VA community hospices also provide bereavement support to the family
If you require more information on what is included in your VA medical benefits package, visit VA.gov
Eligibility Criteria for VA-covered Hospice Care
All enrolled veterans are eligible for hospice care so long as they meet the clinical need for hospice care.
In order to be considered eligible for hospice care, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Have a VA physician deem your life expectancy to be 6 months or less if the terminal illness runs its normal course.
- Your treatment goals are focused on providing comfort rather than curing. This does not exclude disease-modifying treatments.
- The veteran is able to make the informed decision to choose hospice care and forego curative treatment for the illness.
Alternative Options for Financial Assistance
If you are not enrolled with the VA, there are alternative options for financial assistance available, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, private insurance and various charities that seek to help provide hospice care to struggling families.
How to Apply for VA Hospice Benefits
If you are enrolled with the VA, you can apply for hospice benefits by meeting with your VA doctor, contacting your local VA medical center, or a VA social worker to determine your eligibility and start the enrollment process.
As an enrolled veteran, the VA will cover your palliative and hospice care under their standard medical benefits package.
Choose Compassionate and Professional Care at Orange Hospice
At Orange Hospice, we provide physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and bereavement care to support the patient and their family.
Contact us today at (714) 790-0594 to learn more about us and how we can provide the best tender care for your loved one.
