Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, indeed. Home Health and Hospice Care, Inc, known as 3HC, has been around for over three decades. Our spread from one small office in Mount Olive, North Carolina in 1981, to now being one of the most respected hospice companies in the country proves our success.

In most parts of the country, over 99% of all home health services are paid by some third party. All third-party payers have specific eligibility requirements and coverage parameters. Obviously, there are many specifics that relate to each third-party payer’s decision about a particular patient situation.

Many commercial or private insurance companies, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, EDS Federal, Aetna, and others, include home health benefits as part of their health insurance policies. In general, many commercial insurance policies require a prior hospital stay, physician’s orders, and need for intermittent skilled services to cover the cost of Home Health Services. The number of visits, types of services and requirements for coverage vary greatly. Fortunately, 3HC’s trained staff is knowledgeable about eligibility requirements for reimbursement and coverage requirements for reimbursement, and will assist you through the process to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Approximately 80% of all home health visits are paid by Medicare. The Medicare program covers the elderly (those 65 and over) and individuals who have been disabled for two or more years. Medicare has the most restrictive requirements for payment of home health services. However, it is frequently the only resource the elderly have for needed care.

In North Carolina, 10 – 15% of all home health visits are paid by the Medicaid program. Medicaid is primarily a state program designed to provide necessary health care to low income citizens. Eligibility to receive services under the program is determined based on financial information, which is periodically reviewed. The North Carolina Medicaid program funds a number of special assistance programs in addition to certified home health services.

Depending on the patient and the situation, there are other options for those who cannot pay out of pocket. Veterans Administration, CHAMPUS, CHAMPVA, and Workers Compensation are among the most used. In addition, many states have established special finding sources for home health care. In North Carolina, the In-Home Services Grant provides home health care those indigent persons who are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other third party payment who would otherwise “slip through the net.” 3HC is dedicated to finding every possible option to cover your needed services.

To be eligible, a patient must have a physician’s statement confirming the terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of 6 months or less and must be in need of the comfort measures only, Palliative Care. Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and Private Insurance are accepted upon approval.

In Wayne County, the name Kitty Askins has become synonymous with comfort and care for a family’s most prized possession – loved ones on the threshold of their last days. The question of “Who is Kitty Askins?” always brings a smile to husband Richard Askins’ face, he says.. “People are curious what you have to do to have a building named after you. The truth is, she was just about the most normal person I have known – but maybe that’s the point. There are some people who can give without receiving. Are they extraordinary people, or regular folks, who accept our human responsibility to look after each other?” Kitty pioneered home health services at Mount Olive, later to be 3HC, presenting the idea to local doctors and coordinating the process practically from the road, as she handled all the house calls. She was essentially the first hospice nurse in Wayne County and her compassion and commitment inspired all those around her. In death, as in life, one’s true legacy can live long afterward. As her husband said, “Kitty’s story has no ending. It’s now just different people continuing the work.”

At the heart of home health and hospice care is the philosophy of retaining the patient’s dignity and comfort in their last days. The Dying Person’s Bill of RIghts outlines the fundamentals of that philosophy in action. It was developed in 1975 in a workshop sponsored by the South Western Michigan Inservice Education Council, which was focused on needs of the terminally ill. It is as follows:

Dying Person’s Bill of Rights

• I have the right to be treated as a living human until I die.
• I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing its focus may be.
• I have the right to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this may be.
• I have the right to express my feelings and emotions about my approaching death in my own way.
• I have the right to participate in decisions concerning my care.
• I have the right to expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though “cure” goals must be changed to “comfort” goals.
• I have the right to not die alone.
• I have the right to be free of pain.
• I have the right to have my questions answered honestly.
• I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisions, which may be contrary to the belief of others.
• I have the right to expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respected after death.
• I have the right to be cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand my needs and will be able to gain some satisfaction in helping me face my death.

For your convenience, we have compiled this list of links that will assist you in understanding end of life, hospice, and home health care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any other questions.