a. Home Health agencies provide skilled nursing and therapy to meet specific medical needs. It is medical care provided in your home, under the direction of your doctor. Licensed medical professionals help you manage chronic health conditions, like heart failure or diabetes. They can help you recover after surgery or a hospital stay. Care is “intermittent” instead of 24 hours a day.

b. Hospice agencies help those with a life-limiting illness. They treat symptoms of the disease, like pain or nausea, rather than treating the disease itself. Hospice nurses and doctors are skilled in the latest techniques to help relieve pain and improve your comfort. Social workers, chaplains, and volunteers also provide tremendous help and resources for patients and family members.

c. Preferred Pathways is in-home care that allows people with specific needs to stay in their homes instead of moving to a long-term care facility. Our specially-trained employees help with daily activities so you can remain independent, such as personal hygiene, grooming, light housework, meal preparation, running errands, etc.

Home health is a covered benefit if you have original Medicare (Part A). This means you will have no out-of-pocket expense for these services with original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) have different types of coverage. Some will cover home health, but there may be a copayment involved. We would be happy to check on coverage for you. Just get in touch with one of our Care Experts.

It varies based on your condition and how many services you need. The care plan is customized to you. For example, a nurse may come two or three times a week if you are just getting out of the hospital, and then reduce the visits over time. A physical therapist may come once or twice a week and then adjust as you begin to heal. Home health aides make visits depending on specific needs. We will adjust our visits based on your specific needs and the doctor’s orders.

If you would like to have someone monitor your vital signs each day, ask about our Remote Patient Monitoring services. Each day you can check your blood pressure, weight, or oxygen levels on special equipment in your home. A nurse monitors them from a central location, and contacts you and/or your doctor if there is a concern. This is not 24-hour emergency monitoring, but a way to watch trends over time. By catching problems early, you can often avoid an emergency room visit or hospital stay.

Your Case Manager will work with you and/or your family to develop a Member-centered plan to meet your needs. The visits will be based on that plan. Personal Care Assistants generally work with you from 2 – 16 hours a week. They can come daily if needed. Case Managers meet with you at least monthly to ensure you are receiving the services you need.

The services can last as long as you need them. There is no cut-off period if you qualify for the program. Many of our Members have used our services for years. The goal is to allow you to live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.

Hospice care is provided in your own home. This can mean your house, assisted living community, or long-term care facility. We work with you and your family to bring in medical equipment, medications, and other resources for care at home.

Yes, you have the option to keep your doctor as part of your care team.

If your health improves you may be discharged and resume normal medical care. You are always eligible to re-elect hospice care in the future if needed.