Most states offer hospice benefits through Medicaid.
A hospice is a place where a terminally ill patient may go to live the rest of his or her days in as much comfort as possible. In the United States, as of 2010, 49 states--Oklahoma is the lone exception--and the District of Columbia offer hospice benefits through Medicaid. These benefits generally apply to the terminally ill whose home will become their hospice, but it can also apply to those who prefer to live in a nursing facility.
Medical Expenses
For those who are eligible, Medicaid covers costs related to medication needed to relieve pain and ameliorate symptoms. It also covers many types of medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, heart monitors, and wheelchairs. Medicaid also covers short-term hospital stays resulting from the worsening of symptoms.
Home Care
Many terminally ill patients require someone to assist them in carrying out daily tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing and maintaining personal hygiene. For these individuals, Medicaid will cover expenses related to home health care services that send professionals to assist in such tasks.
Counseling and Social Services
When counseling on illness-related matters such as diet and bereavement becomes necessary to a terminally ill patient, Medicaid covers these costs. It also covers the services of medical social work professionals who provide general psychotherapy and help to strengthen the patient's network of social support.
Therapy
Many patients who are terminally ill have lost some or all functionality of their extremities or speech organs. For these, Medicaid covers costs related to physical and speech therapy that aids in restoring or maintaining at least some functionality in these important organs.
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