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The model provides Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for coverage under the Medicare Hospice Benefit and dually eligible beneficiaries who qualify for the Medicaid Hospice Benefit the option to elect to receive supportive care services typically provided by hospice and continue to receive curative services at the same time.
The announcement is part of a larger effort to transform the health care system to deliver better care, spend money in a smarter way, and put patients in the center of their care. Many seniors, disabled Americans, and family members of individuals who suffer from life limiting illnesses must choose between the support services provided through hospice care or curative treatment.
All eligible hospices across the country were invited to apply to participate in the model. Due to robust interest, CMS expanded the model from an originally anticipated 30 Medicare-certified hospices to over 140 Medicare-certified hospices and extended the duration of the model from 3 to 5 years.
This is expected to enable as many as 150,000 eligible Medicare beneficiaries with advanced cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who receive services from participating hospices to experience this new option and flexibility.
Regional Hospice and Home Care was chosen as Connecticut’s only Medicare Choices Model award winner. Not only is Regional Hospice the only participant chosen in the state, but it is also one of 50 percent nationally that has been invited to participate for the full five years of the study.
“We are honored to be selected to participate in the Medicare Choices Model and deeply grateful to be able to serve families during these difficult times,” said president and CEO Cynthia Emiry Roy.
For five years, starting Jan. 1, 2016, Regional Hospice and Home Care in Danbury will offer families hospice services, under the Medicare/Medicaid hospice benefit, with the flexibility to continue treatment.
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