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4. Veterans Benefits: If you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran
who served during a time of war, you may be eligible for
financial assistance to cover the care in the gap. The application
process is extensive and sometimes daunting - having someone
familiar with the process is invaluable.
5. Hospice: If you meet Medicare criteria for hospice, meaning
you have a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of 6
months or less, Medicare, Medicaid and Medi-Cal and most
insurance will cover 100%. You must agree to the plan of care
and the expectation that aggressive care aimed at treatment is
discontinued.
Q: What is not covered by Medicare?
A: Non-medical home caregivers, small residential care facilities
such as board and care homes, large assisted living, memory
care and continuing care communities, long term skilled care
facilities.
Q: When do I have to start spending my savings?
A: The private funds you've saved for that rainy day - guess what?
If you're reading this, it's now pouring. Now, may be the time to
tap the funds, you've set aside for care. Paying cash gives you
the greatest flexibility. You can have what you want, when you
want it and in the frequency you want it. You just choose the
care you want, select a reputable provider, negotiate the rate
and, of course, write the check.
Sadly, care in the gap is going to be increasingly your
responsibility. Knowing this in advance can take some of the sting
out of the sticker shock you will surely experience. You and your
family will need some experienced assistance to navigate the
myriad of choices available.
Case managers can be a valuable resource to assist you in filling
the gaps in care, please let me know if I can help point you in the
right direction.
By Michael J. Demoratz, PhD, LCSW, CCM, AMADA Concierge
Care, Senior Case Manager, Director of Business Development,
www.AmadaConciergeCare.com
For the complete article on this topic visit the website at
www.NewLifeStyles.com
