Who Pays

Payor Sources

Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies have a hospice benefit that will pay for most, if not all, hospice services related to the hospice diagnosis. The patient will continue to be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for treatment of any unrelated diagnosis or medical problems. Hospice is a managed care health care delivery system. Any physician office visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or treatments related to the hospice diagnosis must be coordinated through your Hospice Savannah team in order to ensure payment.

Private insurance generally covers hospice care. You may contact your own insurance company if you have concerns about coverage, or we will be glad to help determine the hospice benefit you have available. If you have private insurance, you will be responsible for the portion of the cost of care not covered by your insurance plan. If this situation presents a financial hardship, you may request to have a financial assessment of your individual situation.

For those individuals with no coverage, fees may be charged on a sliding scale based upon income and number of family members. Please ask to speak to your social worker if you wish to have your financial situation assessed.

No one will be denied Hospice Savannah care because of lack of financial reimbursement. With the generous donations by the community, United Way and other funding sources, Hospice Savannah is able to offer care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Medications

In most cases, the Medicare Hospice benefit or other payment source pays for medications related to the hospice diagnosis. These medications must be ordered through your nurse and obtained through our contracted pharmacy in order to be covered. These medicines typically will be delivered directly to your home by FedEx or UPS.  Certain medications are not covered. Your nurse will explain which medications are covered and which medications are not covered.

On admission, you will be given a Prescription Drug Card (SCRIPT Card) from your Admission Nurse. The SCRIPT card should only be used when medications cannot be delivered soon enough by the contracted pharmacy. This card is only good for covered medications.
You may continue to use your own pharmacy without notifying Hospice Savannah in advance, if you prefer, but you will be responsible for the payment of any medications you order through your own pharmacy.

Medical Equipment

We will arrange delivery of durable medical equipment needed for your comfort and ease of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, etc. The equipment must be ordered by us and is obtained from our contracted medical equipment supplier in order for us to cover the cost.  Certain items are not covered, and your nurse will explain what is not covered i.e.(Medications related to your hospice pharmacia.).

Supplies

We can provide disposable medical supplies, such as adult diapers, chuxs, foley catheters, etc. These make caring for the patient at home easier for the caregiver and improve comfort for the patient. If the caregiver prefers specific brands not supplied by Hospice Savannah, these can be purchased by the family.