FAQs
Q: Does Helia Healthcare/ARCH accept Medicare?
A: Yes. All of our locations are certified to accept individuals covered under Medicare.
Q: How much of my stay does Medicare cover?
A: People often find the ins and outs of Medicare confusing. Medicare generally covers the first 20 days at 100 percent. For days 21–100, there is a coinsurance payment. However, Medicare will only provide coverage if the patient meets specific guidelines — such as a qualifying hospital stay prior to admission.
We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about Medicare.
Q: How do I pay my coinsurance payment?
A: Individuals can pay by private payment, supplemental insurance, or with financial assistance from the State of Illinois if they qualify for Medicaid.
Q: How long can I or my loved one stay for short-term rehab care?
A: Patients are welcome to stay as long as their insurance (including Medicare) approves the need for qualifying services. Please note that Medicare and many other insurance plans limit coverage to 100 days.
Q: What happens if a patient is not ready to go home, but no longer qualifies for Medicare?
A: We will move the patient to an appropriate bed on our long-term care wing. The patient can then pay out of pocket, use their private insurance, or apply for Medicaid coverage.
Q: Will I or my loved one qualify for therapy if Medicare/private insurance stops paying?
A: If you have Medicare Part B, it may pay for skilled therapy after other insurance has terminated. We can help you navigate Medicare Part B questions. We can also discuss alternatives to skilled therapy if your coverage is exhausted.
To speak to one of our advisors about Medicare, call us at 844.264.3258. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov.
Q: Does Helia Healthcare/ARCH accept Medicaid?
A: All of our locations are certified to accept individuals covered under Medicaid. However, our ARCH units do not take Medicaid at this time.
Q: How do I apply for Medicaid?
A: We can provide you with an application and help you fill it out, and we can give you a list of the supporting documentation Medicaid requires.
Call 844.264.3258 to speak to one of our advisors about Medicaid, or visit www2.illinois.gov/hfs.
Q: Are there special benefits for veterans?
A: If you are a veteran and there are no VA facilities in your area, you may be eligible for benefits. For more information, call 877.222. 8387 or visit www.nonvacare.va.gov.
Q: Will my physician come to the facility?
A: Often physicians will oversee their patients’ care during a stay with us. However, if your primary care provider does not manage your care at our facility, our house physician is available.
Each of our facilities has one or more highly experienced doctors who serve as our house physicians, who may also work with a physician’s assistant. The frequency with which our doctors visit our buildings varies by location. Please check with your facility for more information.
Q: Is there a registered nurse to care for me at all times?
A: Depending on the level of nursing services needed, RN coverage varies. Our ARCH units provide 24-hour RN care. At all of our locations a registered nurse is on duty seven days a week.
Our staff also includes licensed practical nurses, skilled therapists, certified nursing assistants and others.
Q: Should I bring my own medication?
A: Use of our house pharmacy is strongly recommended. We can take care of ordering and adjusting all medications depending on your physician’s orders. If you have questions about your medications, please contact your local Helia Healthcare facility.
Q: What should I bring for my stay?
A: Anything that will make you feel comfortable and at home — such as a special quilt, family photographs or a favorite article of clothing.
Q: May I have visitors — and what are your visiting hours?
A: Visitors are welcome at all times. For security purposes, we ask that they sign in when entering our facilities.
Q: What if I have special dietary needs, restrictions and/or preferences?
A: All patients have a full dietary assessment upon admission. We are happy to accommodate your requests.
Q: Do you have a beautician/barber?
A: All of our communities have a beauty salon/barber shop. Days and times of service vary by location. Please contact your facility for more information.
Q: How will I get to and from my appointments?
A: We have a wheelchair van than can provide transportation to appointments when available. If the van is not available, we will arrange transportation through an outside service. Under certain circumstances, additional charges may apply.