Del. Medical Assistance Program Hospice Provider Specific Policy Manual § 8.1

8.1.1 If an individual elects to receive hospice care, he or she must file an election

statement with a particular hospice. An election may also be filed by a

representative acting pursuant to State law. With respect to an individual granted

the power of attorney for the patient, State law determines the extent to which the

individual may act on the patient’s behalf.

8.1.2 An election to receive hospice care is considered to continue through the initial

election period and through any subsequent election periods without a break in

care as long as the individual remains in the care of the hospice and does not

revoke the election. An individual may designate an effective date for the election

period that begins with the first day of hospice care or any subsequent day of

hospice care, but an individual may not designate an effective date that is earlier

than the date that the election is made.

8.1.3 For purposes of the Medicaid hospice benefit, a nursing facility may be

considered the residence of a beneficiary. A beneficiary residing in such a setting

may elect the hospice benefit. The hospice reimburses the facility for services

described in Section 6.0.

8.1.4 The election statement must include the following items of information:

• Identification of the particular hospice that will provide care to the

individual

• The individual’s or representative’s acknowledgement that he or she has

been given a full understanding of hospice care

• The individual’s or representative’s acknowledgement that he or she

understands the following,

o The Medicaid services Relinquishment of Rights

o The effective date of the election

• The signature of the individual or representative