Q: What services does VITAS provide?
A: VITAS covers most prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, medical equipment and supplies required to treat life-limiting illnesses. In addition, VITAS provides four types of care:
Routine Home Care
VITAS provides residential care in patients' homes and has established partnerships with long-term care facilities and nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly.
Continuous Care (Intensive Comfort CareSM)
If a patient develops the need for more constant care, VITAS can provide shifts of hospice staff at the home for a brief period so the patient can avoid being transferred to a hospital.
Dedicated Inpatient Units
If a patient needs care beyond what can be provided at home, VITAS has special arrangements with local hospitals and other facilities where patients may receive necessary and appropriate care and return home as soon as possible.
Respite Care
Limited to five consecutive days, respite care provides a brief “respite” for the patient’s primary caregiver by admitting the home care patient to an institutional setting without meeting the “inpatient” pain and symptom management criteria.
Q: Who pays for VITAS services?
A: VITAS accepts Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and other forms of reimbursement for its services.
Medicare/Medicaid:
Medicare and most state Medicaid programs offer coverage of VITAS services. Since VITAS accepts Medicare and Medicaid as 100 percent coverage, there are no out-of-pocket expenses to patients or their loved ones for VITAS care.
For care unrelated to a patient’s primary diagnosis, Medicare and Medicaid will continue to provide their normal benefits.
Private Insurance:
Since each insurance company has its own policies, VITAS can contact the patient’s insurer to ask about the coverage provided for hospice care.