Veterans Benefit Encourages Hospice Care to Meet Needs

As Veterans Day approaches, we remember those who have served our country to defend our freedom. Thank you for your service.

According to Futurity.com, a recent study shows that veterans are now receiving hospice care at a greater rate than members of the public receiving Medicare. This is thanks to a VA initiative that began in 2009.

Due to their time in service, veterans have specific needs at end of life. The interdisciplinary team approach that hospice care offers can best address the emotional and spiritual needs of veterans, in addition to managing pain and symptoms.

Hospice care is part of the Veterans Administration benefits package.

Veterans are eligible for care if they are enrolled in benefits and meet the medical need for hospice.

Enrollment information can be found on the Veterans Affairs website.

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Care is available at no cost to veterans and their families.

Expenses for hospice-related care, medications and supplies are covered at 100 percent. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (formerly Lower Cape Fear Hospice) receives reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, Tri-Care, and the Veterans Administration. For veterans without a reimbursement source, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare never refuses care based on ability to pay.

Veterans have access to more community health care options.

Thanks to the June 2019 VA MISSION Act, care is accessible closer to home for veterans. Those who must drive 30 minutes or more to a VA care provider, or 60 minutes for specialty care, can now choose to receive care from a community provider such as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Veterans and Palliative Care

Veterans who are currently undergoing treatment for a serious or chronic illness may be eligible to receive palliative care. This specialized medical care helps manage pain and symptoms and helps coordinate and explain care options for veterans and their families, with the goal of improving quality of life. To find out more about palliative care and how it can help you, call us at 1-800-733-1476.

Proud Members of We Honor Veterans

As a Level 4 Partner of the We Honor Veterans Program, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare understands the specific needs of veterans at end of life. Our Vet-to-Vet Volunteer program seeks to pair veteran patients with veteran volunteers, knowing that there is a comradery that veterans share. These veteran volunteers provide companionship and understanding in a way that comforts our veteran patients. They also work to honor and pay tribute to the service of fellow veterans through veteran pinning ceremonies.

Pinning Ceremonies in Coastal North & South Carolina