The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is d. Medicare Part A covers hospice services, and they will be available for him.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Medicare provides a comprehensive hospice benefit for individuals who are terminally ill. This coverage is specifically provided under Medicare Part A, also known as Hospital Insurance. For a person like Sasha to qualify for this benefit, several conditions must be met. First, both his hospice doctor and his regular doctor must certify that he has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. Second, Sasha must accept palliative care, which focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments for his cancer. Finally, he would need to sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare covered treatments for his terminal condition.
Once these requirements are met, Medicare Part A covers a wide array of services necessary for end of life care. This includes nursing care, physician services, medical equipment like a hospital bed, and medical supplies. It also covers prescription drugs needed for pain relief and symptom management, hospice aide and homemaker services, social worker services, and various forms of counseling, including dietary and grief counseling for both the patient and his family.
The other options presented are incorrect. Option a is false because Medicare has a well established hospice benefit. Option b is inaccurate because while drugs are used, the primary benefit is under Part A, not the Part D prescription drug plan. The hospice benefit itself includes coverage for necessary medications related to the terminal illness. Option c is also incorrect. Although physician services are a component of hospice and are generally covered by Part B, the all inclusive hospice benefit package is administered and paid for under Medicare Part A. Therefore, Sasha can be assured that Medicare provides robust coverage for hospice services through Part A, assuming he meets the eligibility criteria.
