Understanding Medicare and Medicaid

Understanding Medicare/Medicaid is like deciphering a crucial piece of the healthcare puzzle. As you navigate the complex world of medical coverage, Medicare/Medicaid stands as a vital program designed to provide essential health benefits for millions of Americans.

This multifaceted system can seem daunting at first glance, but grasping the ins and outs is essential for securing the healthcare support you or a family member may need. Medicare/Medicaid encompasses various parts, each addressing different aspects of care. Health and hospice care services are paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial insurances, and privately by the patient/family. Once a diagnosis is given and a patient is determined eligible for hospice care, the hospice benefit can be elected. The hospice benefit pays for all medical care, medications, and appropriate treatments that will provide comfort and alleviate symptoms that are related to the diagnosis.

The most important step you can take for yourself and your family in any financial situation is to plan. We urge families to consider their future by completing their Advance Directives to make their healthcare wishes known, but we also encourage patients to consider establishing a Power of Attorney (POA). Different and separate from a Health Care Power of Attorney in your Advance Directives, a POA can step in to make financial and legal decisions for you should you be unable to speak for yourself. Hospice of the Western Reserve has volunteer attorneys available to provide more information at no cost to you. Additionally, our “Courage in Conversation” is a resource document where you will find all the forms and prompts you need to consider initiating these conversations.

Beyond the technicalities, understanding Medicare/Medicaid will empower you and your loved ones to make sound healthcare decisions.  Whether you're approaching Medicare/Medicaid age or helping a family member navigate the system, knowledge is the key to unlocking its benefits. Hospice of the Western Reserve has a Financial Resource Advocate who is dedicated to providing this information to families throughout Northern Ohio.

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, you can contact a Financial Resource Advocate to make sure you understand what your responsibilities are regarding payment (216.383.2222, ext. 2290) or visit our website at hospicewr.org to explore Financial Assistance, Our Care Promise, and additional resources.