The Imperfect Caregiver

When it comes to our loved ones that may be living with health conditions that hinder their ability to perform everyday functions, we want to provide them with the best care. Statistics show that often, it is a family member that takes on this role as a full-time caregiver.

Being a caregiver is one of those jobs that not everyone can do. It requires compassion and patience in addition to nurturing and problem-solving skills. The role as caregiver can often be stressful and daunting, which is why respite care exists: to give full-time, at-home caregivers a break when they need one.

What is respite care?

First, let’s define and outline what respite care is and why it’s beneficial. Respite care can come in many different forms and can last for either hours or even days, depending on the situation. Respite care can take place at home or in an inpatient hospital, long-term care facility, or an adult day care center.

Respite care providers are trained and qualified to handle managing basic living activities and functions for those disabled or medically unable. In addition to basic care, respite care providers can administer medications and even tube feedings. For those extremely ill, a registered nurse can serve as a respite care provider.

Not only is respite care beneficial for the primary caregiver needing a break, but many seniors needing extra support and medical attention enjoy seeing new faces as they receive their care.

Does Original Medicare cover respite care?

Medicare does pay for respite care under Part A as part of your hospice care benefits. However, Medicare only pays for respite care when the person in need has a prognosis of six months or fewer to live.

Additionally, a signed statement is required declaring that the beneficiary is choosing hospice care instead of medical treatment for the terminal disease. Another thing to note is that Part A hospice care generally only covers respite care in a hospital inpatient setting.

If the beneficiary has been admitted to a hospice program, Medicare Part A will pay for up to five days of inpatient respite care at time. However, sometimes you may be required to cover a 5% coinsurance amount. Beneficiaries who are covered by a Medigap plan may have this 5% covered for them.

Respite is only covered on an occasional basis, so be mindful of how frequently you use these benefits. Medicare guidelines don’t clearly specify what qualifies as “occasional,” but Medicare typically approves most respite care for hospice patients.

What is covered under a Medicare Advantage plan?

As explained above, Original Medicare will only cover respite care under necessary conditions and Medicare-approved hospice benefits. However, about one-third of beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide the same services as Original Medicare, but since these plans are entirely separate from Original Medicare and are private plans, they have the freedom to provide additional services that Original Medicare does not.

As of 2019, Advantage plans can now offer a variety of in-home care services, including respite care. Some Advantage plans will cover respite care in the form of in-home care, adult day care and short-term respite care in an approved facility.

Each plan that chooses to include these benefits will allot a certain dollar amount or number of hours of respite care that will be covered each year. Since every Advantage plan is different, cost and hours coverage may vary for respite care.

The great thing about this is that under certain Advantage plans, beneficiaries have more freedom when it comes to their choice of care.

Conclusion

It’s never an easy situation to be in when a loved one needs hospice care or any kind of additional medical attention. The advances that CMS is making with allowing coverage of respite care is a breath of fresh air for many families. Although advances to respite care coverage are being made, it’s always a good idea to really assess the situation before dipping into those benefits, no matter what kind of Medicare plan you have.

Much like everything else under Medicare, it is always recommended that you call a professional or your insurance provider to confirm what is covered and what isn’t covered before getting locked into an insurance plan.

Thank you, Danielle Kunkle for contributing this article today.