Hospice Services
What Services are Included in My Care?
Depending on the terminal illness and related conditions, hospice care services generally include:
Physician services
Skilled nursing
Medical equipment
Medical supplies
Prescription drugs for symptom control or pain relief
Certified nursing aides
Therapy services
Social work services
Grief and loss counseling for the patient and family
Respite care
Respite care is indicated when:
The caregiver is physically and emotionally exhausted from caring for the patient on a 24/7 basis and requires a short break from this duty
The caregiver would like to attend a family event, such as a wedding, graduation, vacation, or other event
The caregiver is ill and needs a break from patient care to recover
What is Not Covered?
Not all services provided to patients enrolled in hospice care are covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The benefit will not pay for:
Treatment intended to cure a terminal illness or treatment unrelated to the hospice-related illness
Prescription drugs to cure the illness or illnesses unrelated to the hospice-related illness
Room and board in a nursing home or hospice residential facility
Care in an emergency room, inpatient facility, or ambulance transportation, unless it is either arranged by the hospice team or is unrelated to the terminal illness