Key Coverage Options for Hospice:
- Medicare Hospice Benefit: Medicare typically covers the full cost of hospice care for those who qualify. This benefit includes essential services such as medical equipment, medication, and support from our experienced care team.
- Medicaid Assistance: Medicaid provides similar coverage, helping to cover costs for hospice services for those who meet eligibility requirements.
- Veterans Administration (VA): For veterans, the VA offers Patriot Care and other benefits that often fully fund hospice care.
- Private Insurance: Most private insurance providers cover hospice and palliative care costs, though specifics vary by plan.
Who Pays for Hospice?
In most cases, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance fully covers hospice care, leaving little or no out-of-pocket costs for patients or families. If you or your loved one qualifies for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, you'll likely have access to comprehensive coverage for medical services, medications, equipment, and emotional support. Private insurance plans often cover hospice care in full, but each policy's terms and conditions vary.
Medicare Hospice Benefit Information
Medicare will reimburse the cost of hospice care under your Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A). When all requirements are met, Medicare will cover the following:
Services Covered Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit*
- Physician Services
- Nursing Care
- Medical Appliances and Supplies
- Medications for symptom management and pain relief of the terminal illness and related conditions (must be pre-approved by hospice).
- Short-Term Inpatient Care for Pain and Symptom Control
- Hospice Aide/Homemaker
- Spiritual Counseling
- Bereavement Counseling
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
- Medical Social Services
- Dietary Counseling
- Volunteer Services
- Short-Term Respite Care
*If included in the plan of care.
Services Not Covered Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit
- Treatment for terminal illness is not for palliative symptom management and is not within the hospice plan of care.
- Care was provided by another hospice that was not arranged by the patient's hospice.
- Ambulance transportation is not included in the plan of care.
- Medications that are not related to the terminal illness.
- Visits to the emergency department without prior approval or arrangements by hospice.
- Inpatient care at non-contracted facilities.
- Sitter services/hired caregivers.
- Admission to the hospital without prior approval or arrangements by hospice.
- Lab studies, medical testing, and/or any treatments not indicated.
How to Maximize Your Hospice Insurance Benefits
Our team at True Hearts and Hands Hospice is here to help you make the most of your hospice insurance benefits. From determining eligibility to navigating insurance claims, we're with you at each step to simplify the process. Our financial counselors are available to answer your questions, explain your options, and ensure you maximize every benefit available.
We're Here For You 24/7
If you have any questions about insurance coverage for hospice care, contact True Hearts and Hands Hospice. Our team is here around the clock to help you navigate your options and support your family during this time.