Medicare
The majority of hospice patients will be eligible for Medicare hospice benefits. These benefits cover up to 100% of hospice services. Hospice patients do not have to relinquish any of their benefits unrelated to hospice. Coverage includes everything involved in hospice care, from visits by a nurse, physician and other healthcare professionals to therapy, medication and supplies.
*Although Medicare does pay for hospice services for a patient residing in a Skilled Nursing Facility, it does not, however, pay for the room and board.
Check your Medicare eligibility
Medicaid
The Hospice benefit is an optional state plan service that includes an array of services furnished to terminally ill individuals. These services include: nursing, medical social services, physician services, counseling services to the terminally ill individual and the family members or others caring for the individual at home, short-term inpatient care, medical appliances and supplies, home health aide and homemaker services, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services.
*Medicaid hospice coverage does vary by state.
Private Insurance
Patients who are beneficiaries of private insurance should check their eligibility and benefits to see if hospice care is covered and at what level. You should also contact your member services to determine what – if any – expenses you are responsible for.
Some common hospice services covered by private insurance are:
- Hospice care team
- Home medical equipment and supplies
- Hospice and end-of-life related prescriptions
- Respite care
- Continuous care
- Inpatient care
- Routine home care
- Bereavement support