JAA beneficiary of new hospice program
The program allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive hospice support while continuing treatment for life-limiting illnesses and is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh.
The Jewish Association on Aging’s Sivitz Jewish Hospice is rolling out a new program that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive hospice support while continuing treatment for Western Pennsylvania’s seniors suffering from life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure.
Sivitz Jewish Hospice has been designated as the first and only service provider in the area and one of four in Pennsylvania to participate in the innovative Medicare Care Choices Model.
The new Medicare Care Choices 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 receive supportive care services typically provided by a hospice agency while continuing to receive treatment for life-limiting illnesses.
This was previously not an option under the Medicare hospice benefit as described by Medicare payment rules.
“Being the only facility in this part of Pennsylvania to offer the model greatly assists area patients who are confronted with difficult decisions, choosing between end-of-life care such as hospice or continuing treatment for their illnesses.
“Now they can have both while maintaining their benefits and their quality of life,” according to Deborah Winn-Horvitz, president and CEO of the Jewish Association on Aging, the organization that manages Sivitz Jewish Hospice.
Those interested in exploring whether they qualify for the special Sivitz hospice services can call 412-422-5700 for more information. PJC
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