If a hospice program is Medicare certified, what must be provided to patients?

When a hospice program is Medicare certified, it is required to provide all services that are available to a Medicare beneficiary. This means that patients in hospice care are entitled to receive comprehensive end-of-life care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs without being limited to basic or essentials services alone. This includes various forms of medical care, pain management, counseling, and support services, designed to enhance the quality of life for patients facing terminal illness.

Medicare certification ensures that patients can access a wide range of palliative services tailored to their individual needs, allowing for a holistic approach to care. This provision not only covers typical medical treatments but also includes necessary supportive services such as social work and bereavement support. The aim of a certified hospice program is to improve the patient's overall well-being during their final stage of life, making it essential for all available Medicare services to be accessible to those enrolled in the program.