Insurance Covers the Cost of Hospice Care

San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care improves the lives of those adults and children throughout San Diego County affected by serious illness. 

Medicare, Medi-Cal, HMOs, and most insurance plans include a benefit that covers the cost of standard hospice care. Community members faced with advanced illness have improved access to affordable hospice and palliative care programs and, in most cases, can choose their hospice provider. For local resident, Vailia Dennis, San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care was her choice to provide the care she needed.

At 86, Vailia is a single mother and retired sales representative, living on a modest budget. When her doctor informed her that she had a life-threatening illness, Vailia wanted to make sure that she was going to receive care to help manage her symptoms. She chose San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care to deliver that specialized care, while remaining in the comfort of her own home.

“I think people don’t realize all the services that are provided by San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care,” said Vailia. “I receive home visits by the hospice team members, necessary medical equipment related to my illness, and medications.” Vailia adds, “People don’t realize that hospice is quality care that is affordable.”

San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care has earned the community’s respect over the past 28 years by providing patient-focused, expert medical care to families faced with serious illness. Services are provided by a hospice team that works closely with the patient, and the patient’s own physician, to create a plan of care that focuses on the patient’s goals. The team can include a nurse, social worker, volunteer, spiritual counselor, bereavement counselor, home health aide, homemaker, and a hospice physician. Care is typically provided in a patient’s home, or wherever the patient resides, including residential care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Care is also provided in the organization’s Inpatient Care Center, the only specially licensed hospice-hospital in the area, as well as in San Diego Hospice Care Centers located within GlenBrook Skilled Nursing Center in Carlsbad, and St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services in the Banker’s Hill area of San Diego.

For Vailia, she is living the life she chooses, with the help of San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care.

“San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care helps to bring peace of mind to me and my family. I know I’m receiving the best care possible. I visit with my family and friends, I spend time reading, and most importantly, I’m enjoying each day to the fullest.”