Heartbeats is a program specifically designed to support cardiac patients through the various stages of their disease. We have two options:

• For patients who have recently undergone cardiac surgery or procedures, the Florida Palliative Home Care component of Heartbeats can assist in the rehabilitation process.
• For those patients who have decided that medical intervention is no longer beneficial, the Hospice component of Heartbeats enhances quality of life on a daily basis.

Who is eligible for Heartbeats?

To qualify for Heartbeats, a patient must have been diagnosed with a severe cardiac illness with a prognosis of one year or less. Heartbeats is available to all residents of Marion County in their own homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or one of four hospice houses.

What does Heartbeats offer?

• Coordination of the patient's care plan by Hospice staff physicians with the patient's primary physician
• Medications related to the patient's primary heart diagnosis, covered free of charge
• In-home education about medications and other support services
• Access to nursing staff 24 hours a day
• Relief or reduction of symptoms related to some cardiac illnesses
• Management of the patient's cardiac-related health by nutrition consultants, experienced nursing staff, certified nursing assistants and other licensed professionals
• Caring assistance through trained Hospice volunteers
• Medical equipment and supplies related to the primary cardiac diagnosis, provided free of charge

Who pays for Heartbeats service?

Services are covered by the Hospice Medicare or Medicaid benefits; no additional payment is required. Most private insurance companies also cover these services. Our financial counselor or social service staff will help analyze the patient's individual coverage and advise the patient in advance of any changes that may be incurred. A sliding payment scale based on the patient's ability to pay is arranged if necessary. As a not-for-profit healthcare provider, Hospice of Marion County offers services to all regardless of the ability to pay.

Call our coordinator at 352-873-7400 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it