Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for Seacoast Hospice?
Simply call 1-800-416-9207. We can immediately meet with you and your family for a free informational visit to discuss hospice benefits. When you and your family enroll in Seacoast Hospice, we will get your physician's consent.

Who qualifies for Seacoast Hospice?
Any child or adult coping with any terminal illness or disease whose primary physician believes life expectancy can be measured in months versus years. In general, physicians refer patients to hospice at the earliest indication of terminal illness-usually around six months. Even if you are not appropriate for hospice, we can direct you to the best community resources, including our Transitions Program.

Once I'm in hospice, can I see my physician?
Primary and referring physicians remain involved in care as much as they and their patients desire. Also, Seacoast Hospice's physician is available to consult with your personal doctor, provide inpatient consultations, nursing home visits, or house calls for symptom management, care planning, and psychosocial support.

I live alone; can I still receive Seacoast Hospice services?
We provide hospice services to any patient — to those who live alone or who may not have family members nearby.

What if I can't afford Seacoast Hospice?
Through generous community support, we provide services for all — regardless of ability to pay. The majority of our patients use the hospice benefit program provided by Medicare. HMO and private insurance companies also offer hospice benefits. A sliding scale fee is available for those without insurance.

What does the Medicare hospice benefit cover?
Patients Receive 100 percent Coverage for:

• Visits by RNs, LNAs, social workers, and volunteers at patient's physical location: home, hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility
• Hospice physician visits
• Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Laboratory procedures
• Prescription medications and other treatments for pain relief and symptom control
• Medical equipment such as oxygen, wheelchairs, shower seats, hospital beds, walkers, etc.
• Grief support groups for families for 13 months following the death of a loved one.

For more detailed information, download the official Medicare guidelines.