What Is Palliative Care?
According to the National Institute On Aging. "Palliative care is a resource for anyone living with a serious illness...In addition to improving quality of life and helping with symptoms, palliative care can help patients understand their choices for medical treatment...and can be provided along with curative treatment and does not depend on prognosis." It typically involves an interdisciplinary team of M.D.'s, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. It can be done in a home setting, nursing facility, hospital or outpatient clinic. Most insurance companies cover the cost of palliative services.
What Palliative Programs are available in Hawaii?
Your Local Hospital may have a palliative department & offer outpatient services, details may vary, please inquire with them. Many insurance companies offer specific palliative programs for their subscribers. See below for more details.
H.M.S.A.- "Supportive Care" is a 90 day (per year) covered benefit for certain H.M.S.A plans. Criteria include having a diagnosis of one of the following advanced diseases: Cancer, C.O.P.D. ( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or C.H.F. (congestive heart failure). Other severe advanced diseases may be considered, with prior approval. Benefit includes a team consisting of an: M.D., registered nurse, nursing aid, chaplain, and social worker. Medical equipment,supplies, and medications are also offered. A care team member is available 24/7 over the phone and/or in person. This is a mobile service provided by H.M.S.A contracted & medicare certified hospice agencies, however it is NOT hospice, it is a mobile palliative service.
Contact your local Hospice for more information.
U.H.A. Health Insurance- "Concurrent Care" provides a strong support for U.H.A. health insurance for patients with a life-limiting illness, it is not the same as hospice care, and can be used for those who continue receiving all medically necessary treatment. Patient must be diagnosed with a disease that is active, progressive and irreversible that will result in a reduced life expectancy. Benefit includes a team consisting of an: M.D., registered nurse, nursing aid, chaplain, and social worker. Medical equipment,supplies, and medications are also offered. A care team member is available 24/7 over the phone and/or in person. This is a mobile service provided by H.M.S.A contracted & medicare certified hospice agencies, however it is NOT hospice, it is a mobile palliative service. Contact your local Hospice
A.I.M.-Advanced Illness Management-Bristol Hospice & Supportive Care. Is a mobile physicians practice. Covered by medicare and most private insurance companies. Patient must have a chronic condition. Call for more information -808-536-8012
V.A.-Concurrent Care. -Service provided for veterans, whom are diagnosed with an advanced disease. Such as stage 3 or 4 Cancer, end stage kidney, heart or lung disease. Patient can actively be pursuing life prolonging treatments. The benefit includes a team consisting of an: M.D., registered nurse, nursing aid, chaplain, and social worker. Medical equipment,supplies, and medications are also offered. A care team member is available 24/7 over the phone and/or in person. This is a mobile service provided by contracted & medicare certified hospice agencies, however it is NOT hospice, it is a mobile palliative service. Contact your local Hospice for more information.
Kokua Mau -Care planning for hospice and palliative care, non-profit organization strives to improve quality of life for people in Hawaii by promoting excellence in hospice, end-of-life care, palliative care and early advance care planning. https://kokuamau.org/ Phone Number -808- 585-9977
Please also check with your local hospital to see what palliative services they offer.