Medicare coverage of hospice care.

Recently enacted regulations regarding Medicare coverage of hospice care are discussed. The hospice benefit, whether provided in a home or inpatient setting, is available to individuals entitled to Medicare Part A benefits and who are certified as being terminally ill. Hospice care coverage is authorized for a maximum of six months plus 30 days. Conditions of participation of the final regulations require that critical services (nursing services, physician services, and drugs and biologicals) be available on a 24-hour basis. Also, freestanding hospices must employ or contract a licensed pharmacist for control and accountability of all drugs throughout the facility. Reimbursement rates are mandated as all-inclusive, per diem rates that favor home care and have a per capita limit of $6500. The hospice benefit is a distinctly new choice of care for terminally ill patients. It also provides pharmacists an opportunity to participate in a unique aspect of health care.