Find answers to common questions or contact us if you have a question not answered here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Insurance Coverage
Which health insurance plans are accepted by Bethesda Home?
We accept a variety of health insurances, including participation in the Medicare benefit program. Final costs depend on individual health care insurance programs.
What does my insurance cover for skilled care?
Coverage varies based on your insurance. Inquire with our Business Office and contact your insurance provider for detailed benefits explanations.
What is Medicare and what do I need to take advantage of it?
Medicare is a Federal Health Insurance Program covering individuals aged 65 or older, those under 65 with specific disabilities, and people of all ages with end-stage renal disease. For those in independent living, it’s crucial to understand how Medicare benefits may differ.
Medicare consists of four parts, each covering specific aspects of healthcare services:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance):
- Covers inpatient hospital stays.
- Also covers skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance):
- Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care.
- Requires a monthly premium.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage):
- A private insurance plan that includes coverage from both Part A and Part B.
- Often includes additional benefits such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Individuals with Part C still need to pay their Part B premium.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):
- Offers prescription drug coverage.
- Provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
- Requires a monthly premium.
These four parts work together to provide a comprehensive healthcare coverage package for individuals eligible for Medicare. It’s important for individuals to understand the coverage offered by each part and choose the options that best meet their healthcare needs.
How do I qualify for Medicare benefit?
Traditional Medicare for extended care requires a minimum three-night inpatient hospital stay, admission within 30 days of discharge, and meeting skilled care criteria in the nursing home as defined by Medicare. If these conditions are met, you may receive up to 100 days of Medicare coverage.
What qualifies as skilled care?
“Skilled” care, as outlined by Medicare, involves care that necessitates the expertise of skilled nursing or rehabilitation on a DAILY basis. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation personnel encompass Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Physical and Occupational Therapists, as well as Speech Pathologists.
What does Medicare cover and are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
Throughout the stay of an eligible beneficiary in a skilled nursing facility, the payment structure is as follows:
- Traditional Medicare covers 100% of the bill for the initial twenty (20) days without requiring secondary insurance.
- From the 21st to the 100th day, there is a daily co-insurance rate adjusted annually by Medicare. For specific co-insurance rates, please refer to the Financial Rates information on this website. Medicare will cover the remaining balance, and it’s advisable to check if your secondary insurance covers this co-insurance amount by contacting them directly.
- If your policy doesn’t cover the daily co-insurance, you are responsible for the payment. The facility will verify the status of any secondary insurance to ensure active coverage.
- If there is no co-insurance coverage, the facility will request PRIVATE payment of the co-insurance rate starting on the 21st day of your Medicare benefit period. If you qualify for Medi-Cal assistance and the facility participates in the State Medical Program, Medi-Cal will cover the co-insurance amount, but your monthly patient pay amount will still be due.
- Additional personal expenses not covered by ANY insurance include items such as beauty/barber shop services, guest meals, rental of telephone or television, and wheelchair van transportation.
What does Medicare cover and are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
Medi-Cal is a program funded by both the State and Federal government, providing financial assistance to residents who meet economic eligibility criteria to cover their nursing home expenses. The amount of financial assistance is determined by the state of California Health and is based on your monthly income.
Does Bethesda Home accept Medi-Cal / Medicaid?
Yes, Bethesda Home in Hayward participates in various insurance programs for assisted living. Contact our Business Office for specific details on coverage.
Admission Process
How am I admitted to Bethesda Home for skilled care or assisted living?
Upon your admission to the hospital, a discharge planner will engage with you to discuss your rehabilitation plans. At that point you can inform the discharge planner of your preferred facility for recovery and therapy.
To gather information for review, our Admission Coordinator will connect with the hospital discharge planner to assess and review your medical information.
Care and Service Provided
Are your Nurses and Aides licensed and certified for skilled care?
Yes, Nurses are licensed, and C.N.A.’s are certified, ensuring high-quality care in the nursing home.
How often do you offer therapy and how long are sessions?
Within 24 hours of admission, the therapy department will perform a thorough therapy evaluation, drawing information from the hospital, your family, and yourself. Simultaneously, a detailed individual assessment will be conducted to ascertain the optimal therapy program for your needs. Therapy sessions typically occur 4-7 days a week, with each session lasting between 30 to 60 minutes.
Do you have doctors on staff in the Hayward Retirement Home?
No, but several physicians are in the building daily to oversee medical needs. Ancillary physician services are also available, ensuring comprehensive care for residents.
Can my doctor come into Bethesda Home to see me for skilled care?
Your private physician may treat you, following facility, State, and Federal regulations. Alternatively, contracted physicians are readily available, catering to the unique needs of skilled care.
Are podiatrist, eye doctor, or dentist services available?
Certainly, we have ancillary physicians available on an as-needed and regular basis, including psychiatrists.
Your First Day of Care
What happens the day I am admitted to the Hayward Retirement Home?
Nursing and therapy staff evaluate you, determining your general condition and goals. Admission paperwork is completed, requiring health insurance cards, prescription drug card, Medicare, Medicaid cards, and Power of Attorney if applicable. You will also be assessed within 24 hours of admission to determine your individual needs.
What items can I bring with me when I am admitted?
Remember to pack your personal clothing, preferably comfortable attire, and a reliable pair of sturdy shoes. The therapy department will evaluate whether you require a wheelchair or walker during your stay, and we’ll provide one if necessary.
Can I bring my own medications from home for assisted living?
No, the facility will order all medications directly from the contracted pharmacy based on the list provided by the discharging hospital.
During Your Stay
What are the visiting hours in the nursing home?
Up-to-date visiting hours can be found on the homepage. We strive to create a welcoming environment for residents, family, and friends!
Are children and pets allowed to visit in the assisted living facility?
Yes, both children and pets are welcome, provided pets are housebroken, well-behaved, and on a leash, enhancing the family-like atmosphere for those in assisted living.
Meals and Dining
Can I select my own menus in the independent living setting?
Menus are prearranged, but alternatives are available at lunch and dinner. A Dietary Representative will address food preferences upon admission, ensuring a personalized dining experience for those in independent living.
Can my family eat with me in the dining hall?
Yes, we welcome guests during visiting hours in hopes of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for families in the nursing home.
Non-Medical Services and Activities
Do you have a laundry service?
Yes, we do offer a laundry service for your convenience!
Is there a TV and telephone in my room in the independent living setting?
No, there is a readily-accessible payphone in the facility, but residents are required to provide their own TV and TV services. All common areas have free shared TV.
What kinds of activities do you offer residents?
Bethesda Home offers a wide variety of different activities, ranging from Music to Arts and Crafts to live entertainment, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for residents in the nursing home.
Check the activities page for what is coming up.
Roommates Living Arrangements
Will I be with a similar type of roommate in the assisted living facility?
Every effort is made to assign rooms to compatible individuals, fostering a supportive community for those in assisted living.