Healthcare Reform 101

Healthcare reform can be a sticky subject, filled with politics, legal jargon, and layers of detail. This can make healthcare reform confusing and unapproachable. Don’t run far now that the topic is in front of you here! Blue-Cross Blue-Shield and Walgreens have teamed up to show their commitment to helping people understand Healthcare Reform, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which took effect back in 2010. Big changes are to come in 2014, so we are helping Blue-Cross Blue-Shield and Walgreens with their efforts by spreading the word here on our blog.

Instead of going into all the details here, visit www.LearnAboutReform.Com and read up on a short description of what the ACA is, how it affects the insured, uninsured and underinsured, and a very informational FAQ that breaks down the information so you know what action to take and what to hold onto as your little FYI (for your information) notes. For example, one Q & A reads:

“What is the new healthcare law? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010. It was designed to expand access to and improve the quality of healthcare for Americans. Some of the healthcare changes took effect immediately while others are being phased in over time. Large parts of the law will become effective on January 1, 2014. The biggest effect of the ACA is that people who previously couldn't afford or qualify for coverage will now be able to sign up for health insurance.”

While healthcare reform may seem overwhelming, hopefully, this resource and educational tid-bit will ease your mind and help prepare you for the road ahead. Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

When to Call Hospice of Southern Illinois

Patients and families can be exhausted emotionally and physically throughout their end of life journey. Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to help ease the stress associated with terminal illnesses. Feeling hesitant or confused about when to call hospice while utilizing hospice services is completely normal and expected. There are many times we have found that patients and families are unsure when to call, so we have provided a list of the most appropriate times to give us a call; furthermore, if you are unsure whether to call hospice versus the doctor, hospital, ambulance or anyone else, call us first. We can then recommend the next step from there.

Please Call Hospice of Southern Illinois Immediately (800-233-1708):

• any change in patient’s condition
• changes or need for changes in medications
•  if the patient has a fall
• changes in spiritual needs
• patient/family concerns
• at time of death
• changes of medical equipment needs

        We have nurses and counseling services available on-call 24/7/365 to assist you and your loved ones with any questions you may have regarding hospice or a loved one’s end-of-life care. If your request is not urgent, our website www.hospice.org is full of valuable resources and information to assist you.

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

Myths About Hospice

          Hospice of Southern Illinois wants to wish you a Happy New Year! Will you dive into any superstitions of the New Year like kissing at midnight to ensure ties, eating black-eyed peas for luck and financial freedom, or stocking up the cupboards to guarantee food in the belly all year long? I may not be very superstitious. I think, however, I will partake in these three New Year traditions in hopes they lead me to have a successful 2013.

          The New Year is a wonderful time because people often seek out new opportunities like taking on a healthier life style, finally taking the risk of starting the hobby they always wished they had time for or taking a class to get educated. While on the topic of discussing how one event leads to the cause of another and getting educated, let’s discuss some hospice superstitions and misconceptions. It is common for individuals to hear the word “hospice” and immediately think that by calling hospice it means a loved one is giving up or life will be prolonged or shortened. These are only two of many false superstitions associated with hospice. Other misconceptions include what hospice really does, whom hospice serves and to pay for hospice services. Hospice services provide numerous benefits for patients and their families. Furthermore, hospice can and should lead you to lots of words including some happy ones like comfort, love and respect because our care offers that to individuals and their families who receive our service. Below I have listed a few superstitions and misconceptions, with responses, I often hear during my speaking presentations with community groups.

What does hospice really do?

Hospice of Southern Illinois provides specialized hospice services (patient care, including symptom management, emotional support, spiritual support and psychosocial intervention), addressing issues most important to the patient’s needs and wants at the end of their life focusing on improving the individual’s quality of life.

When should hospice be called?

Hospice should be called at any time the patient has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It is appropriate to discuss all of the patient’s care options, including hospice. Patients are eligible for hospice care when they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less. At that time comfort care and symptom management become the primary focus, and curative treatment is no longer the patient’s choice or option.

Does hospice do anything to bring death sooner?

No. Our goal is always to alleviate suffering and manage symptoms. Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. Our role is to lend support and allow the disease process to unfold as comfortable as possible.

Myth: Hospice care is only for cancer patients.

Truth: Hospice care is for patients with a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less including but not limited to: Alzheimer’s, cardiac disease, ALS, stroke, liver disease.

Myth: Hospice is just for the elderly.

Truth: Hospice is for all age groups during their final stages of life, including children and adults of all age groups.

Myth: Hospice is just for the patient.

Truth: Meeting the needs of the patient and family is a top priority. The family unit is at the center of all decision making. Hospice recognizes that it takes many caregivers to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Myth: Hospice care is expensive.

Truth: Hospice care is a benefit under Medicare Part A, Illinois Medicaid and most private insurers. Hospice of Southern Illinois provides services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. 

For more myths, frequently asked questions and other resources about benefits of receiving hospice services at the end-of-life, I encourage you to continue to read on our website and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website.

https://www.hospice.org/hospice-care/myths-about-hospice/

https://www.hospice.org/hospice-care/what-is-hospice/

http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageid=4642

http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3521

Remember the New Year is all about a new you! Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org