Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Do You Know Your Eligibility for Medicare Hospice Benefits?

With a presidential election looming, there are many factors to consider when evaluating the candidates. Foremost among these is each candidate’s stance on healthcare reform, Medicare and other health benefits. Thinking about life-affirming policies such as access to hospice care is just one aspect of making your choice this election season.

Who Qualifies for Medicare Hospice Benefits?

Hospice care is designed to help people with life-limiting illnesses and their families navigate the end of life. Hospice is one of the benefits provided by Medicare. In particular, Medicare Part A covers hospice care. The services you receive from hospice care are covered by Original Medicare, even if you were in another Medicare health plan such as a Medicare Advantage Plan. It is important that you continue to pay Medicare premiums while receiving hospice care in order to avoid interruption of care services.

To receive hospice care covered by Medicare, your hospice doctor and your regular doctor must certify that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months. You must accept palliative care and certify that you choose hospice over other curative treatments.

If you or your loved one is a veteran, using your Medicare Hospice Benefit does not disqualify you from receiving other VA benefits for which you are eligible. Through the We Honor Veterans program, our staff is specially trained to help you navigate access to the benefits you’ve earned.

What Is Covered by Medicare Hospice Benefits?

Hospice care often includes services provided by a wide variety of health professionals, allowing you to receive physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual comfort during the end of life. Medicare benefits cover services from physicians, nurses, counselors, physical or occupational therapists, social workers, speech and language pathologists, homemakers, hospice aides and volunteers.

With Medicare benefits, you will pay nothing for hospice care. “The Medicare Hospice Benefit gives patients peace of mind that costs associated with care, medications and equipment related to their diagnosis will be covered. This benefit allows patients and their families the chance to enjoy precious time together rather than worry about how to pay for services,” said Rhett Austin, senior vice president of Visiting Nurse.

Medicare in the News this Election Cycle

The scope and purpose of Medicare is in the news once again this election cycle. Hillary Clinton has supported the expansion of Medicare benefits to middle-aged people as young as 55, or possibly even lower. This would presumably include hospice benefits as part of Medicare Part A, although Clinton has not specifically commented on hospice care. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has made repeated pledges that he will not change Medicare or its benefits. Changes to national health care policy could have significant ramifications for hospice care, making it important for voters to pay attention to developments in this area.

When deciding on hospice care for yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Visiting Nurse has decades of experience helping patients and their families navigate the benefits of hospice care.

You may speak with one of our Hospice Atlanta Center staff members at 404-869-3000 who can help you understand hospice benefits from Medicare, your VA benefits or private health insurance.

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Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🏌️‍♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!

Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙

#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport

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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

 #ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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💐Happy Mother's Day!💐

#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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Happy Nurses Week! 
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta

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Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

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