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Reports Show Hospice Saves Medicare Dollars

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Mar 7, 2013 at 7:31 AM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2013 at 7:31 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Hospice care has been growing by leaps and bounds and is becoming more common. New reports are showing this kind of service isn't just improving the care of many, but helping their wallets as well.

Officials say having the Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado in town is an asset to Mesa County, as it continues to serve those who are seriously ill.

“What we really know without a doubt is that hospice saves money,” said Christy Whitney, president and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

Whitney and her staff offer services to an estimated 3,000 people of all averages, every year.

According to recent reports, if 1,000 additional beneficiaries enrolled in hospice 15 to 30 days prior to death, Medicare could save more than 6.4 million a year, and even more if they join sooner.

“People enrolled in hospice save thousands and thousands of dollars over the cost of care,” said Whitney. “If they have six months of hospice care, I’m sure they save well over $10,000 personally.”

Taking this kind of route over other options not just saves the overall Medicare trust fund of many, but enhances the comfort level of both the patient and their family.

“They’re sick, they're scared and the hospice team is right there for them,” said Terri Walter, chief administrative officer at Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado. “They have had a lot of expenses in healthcare and now they have a hospice benefit that covers whatever they need related to the reason they are in hospice.”

Whitney says it has been proven that here in Mesa County, we have the lowest cost in the last two years of life in all of the country and the most people in hospice.

“Almost all medical beneficiaries who would have a condition that would allow them to get hospice care, get hospice care. Almost 100 percent,” said Whitney.

Under this kind of Medicare plan, everything is paid for which according to officials, doesn't happen in any other part of health care.

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Linda said on Sunday, Mar 10 at 9:47 PM

My late husband was a Vitas Hospice patient, in New Jersey. They were & still are a God send for my family & myself. His nurse became a part of our family, she is awesome.Its been over a year since my husband passed, but if I call, they do their best to answer my questions or find some way to help. We couldnt of done it with out them. They held our hands through they whole thing & now they hold a special place in our hearts. God bless Hospice workers everywhere, they are truley your angels on earth.

HP said on Thursday, Mar 7 at 11:02 AM

Hospice and their workers are a blessing to the families of the patient. Their compassion is beyond amazing and they are a special type of person. If you know someone who works in Hospice care, tell them thank you for me.

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