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Care Comparison
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Hospice care.
To be eligible for hospice care, a person must have a terminal prognosis with a limited life expectancy, be under the care of a doctor, choose symptom management over aggressive curative care, and request hospice services.

Home health care.
If your condition is not terminal but your doctor has determined that you need ongoing medical care -- and you are confined to the home -- you may be eligible for home health care. Services include skilled nursing care, therapy, and visits by social workers or home health aides.

This table explains the differences in benefits between hospice and home health:

 
Hospice Home Health
1.  The patient has multiple benefit periods. 1.  The patient must have a reasonable end-point to skilled care.
2.  The patient is encouraged to live and participate in any activities they find enjoyable. 2.  The patient must be homebound and is limited in participating in some activities.
3.  Counseling support (including social and spiritual counseling) is provided for the patient/family. 3.  Visits by a social worker or mental health nurse are provided to the patient.
4.  Volunteer services are covered. 4.  No volunteer services are covered.
5.  Medications, supplies and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis are covered expenses. 5.  Some supplies are covered expenses, but there is no benefit for medications.
6.  24-hour pharmacy coverage is available. 6.  There is no guarantee of pharmacy coverage.
7.  Respite care to relieve caregivers is a covered benefit. 7.  There is no respite care for caregivers.
8.  Continuous care is provided during times of crisis. 8.  There is no continuous care.
9.  Family and friends are provided bereavement follow-up for up to 13 months. 9.  There is no need for a bereavement benefit.
10.  Care is provided in skilled nursing facilities, private homes, assisted living settings and hospitals. 10.  Care is provided in private homes, assisted living settings and personal-care homes.