Medicaid
This section answers the most commonly asked Title 19 & 20 and waiver program questions.
Medicare
This section covers basic questions about Medicare home care.
Home Care Patient Privacy Practices
This section covers basic questions Algonquin Nurses home care patient privacy practices.
Q: Can your Nurses Aides run errands for their clients?
A: Yes. Our nurses aides can run errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, etc.
Q: Are your nurses aides allowed to transport their clients to the doctor, the store, etc.?
A: No. The Missouri Department of Aging prohibits nurses aides from transporting their clients. However, in certain pre-approved situations, the aide is allowed to accompany their client on the bus or even with a client's family members to appointments, etc.
Q: Can the aide stay overnight with the client?
A: Again, The Missouri Department of Aging prohibits the aide from residing (staying at the client's home for 24 hour periods or more) with the client. However, certain circumstances and special needs of some clients are exceptions to the rule. Clients always have the option of paying for live-in services if that is the immediate need. (See Private Pay Section).
Q: How many hours of service can I qualify for and how do I go about obtaining Medicaid services?
A: That depends on several factors. Monthly units (hours) vary from client to client from as little as about 16 hours per month to over 300 hours per month. You can find out how many you qualify for by calling the Intake Coordinator at the Missouri Division of Aging at 340-7300.
Q: Who pays when someone is receiving Medicare visits in his or her home?
A: According to the "Medicare and You 2001" handbook, it states the following: If a person qualifies for home care visits, as a recipient of Medicare Part A, a person would pay nothing out of pocket.
Q: If someone needs "durable medical supplies" i.e. a wheelchair or walker in the home, who pays for it?
A: If the person qualifies for Medicare home visits, and if a doctor approves those medical supplies needed, then Medicare Part B will pay for 80% of the costs. This leaves the Medicare recipient responsible for 20% of the Medicare approved amount.
Q: How do you know if you have Part A or Part B Medicare?
A: Each U.S. citizen who turns 65 will automatically receive a Medicare card. If someone has Part A, this helps pay for the following: Care in hospitals as an inpatient, critical access hospitals, (which are hospitals that are small facilities that give limited outpatient and inpatient services to people in rural areas), skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health.
A person would not pay a monthly payment called a premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working. If someone did not pay Medicare taxes while you worked and you are 65 or older, you still may be able to buy Part A. Part B Medicare helps pay for the following: Doctor's services, out patient hospital care, and some other medical services that Medicare Part A will not cover, such as durable medical supplies. Medicare Part B has a premium of $45.50 per month (this figure may vary). *Based on information available during the year 2000.
In some cases, this amount may be higher if you did not choose Part B when you first became eligible at age 65. The costs of Part B may go up 10% for each 12 month period that you could have had Part B but did not sign up for it, except in special cases. Enrollment for Part B is optional. For more information, call: 1-800-808-0772.
You can look at your blue/white card to see exactly what your benefits are. If you need a new Medicare card, you can call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local Social Security Office.
Q: How do I choose a home health agency if I an going to receive Medicare home health visits?
A: First and foremost, people need to know that THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN HOME HEALTH AGENCY. First, you want to make sure that if you or a loved one is going to receive home health, that they call the agency ahead of time.Talk to a nurse at that agency and ask them the following questions: Are you a Medicare certified agency? Are you a Joint Commissioned agency? This means that an agency has gone over and above what their state mandates of all certified agencies. Ask the nurse in the office what their expectations are for the care you or another person will be receiving. You can also call the Better Business Bureau in your area and see if there have been any complaints against the agency you are looking into. Planning ahead will help alleviate any fears or questions you may have.
Q: If I wanted a complete handbook regarding my Medicare privileges, where do I find it?
A: Anyone can call 1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048 for the hearing impaired. You may also look at their web site for the "Medicare and You 2000" handbook at www.medicare.gov.
Q: Under what circumstances would my health information be used or disclosed?
A: Under the following circumstances, your health information may be used or disclosed after you have provided written consent: to provide treatment; to obtain payment; to conduct health care operations; for appointment alternatives; for treatment alternatives.
Q: Under what circumstances would my health information be disclosed without first receiving my written consent?
A: Under the following circumstances, your health information may be used or disclosed without your written consent: when legally required; when there are risks to public health; to report abuse, neglect or domestic violence; to conduct health oversight activities; in connection with judicial and administrative proceedings; for law enforcement purposes; to coroners and medical examiners; to funeral directors; for organ, eye or tissue donation; for research purposes; in the event of a serious threat to health or safety; for specified government functions; for worker's compensation.
Q: What are my rights with respect to my health information?
A: The following is a list of your rights with respect to your health information: rights to request restrictions; right to receive confidential communications; right to inspect and copy your health information; right to amend health care information; right to accounting; right to a paper copy of the Notice of Home Care Privacy Practices.
Q: How can I receive more information regarding Algonquin Nurses Privacy Practices or a copy of the Notice of Home Care Privacy Practices?
A: For more information or to obtain a copy of the Notice of Home Care Privacy Practices, please call Algonquin Nurses P.R.N, Inc. at (314) 822-3736
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Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
