Can my mother drop the Medicaid waiver program and get back on hospice?
My mother was on a Medicaid waiver program but was put on hospice after serious heart condition. After 3 months, she decided to go back on the waiver program. Big mistake. Is there any way she can get back on hospice after cancelling.
Expert Answer
Yes, fortunately although in the past administrators of Medicaid Waiver Programs often discontinued services when Medicare beneficiaries selected hospice care, this is no longer the situation following the enactment of regulations that went into effect in December of 2008. Now she may go back to the Medicaid Waiver Program and received benefits even after electing to receive Medicare hospice benefits. The particular hospice will need to coordinate its services with the Medicaid personal care benefit to which she is entitle under her Medicaid Waiver Program. This is somewhat complicated so she should make sure she consults with an experienced lawyer.