Hospice Payment

The hospice benefit is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most primary insurances. There is generally no out-of-pocket expense for the family.

Medicare Hospice Benefit includes:

• Physician services as it relates to the terminal illness
• Regular home visits by a hospice nurse
• Chaplain services for the patient and family
• Hospice aide and homemaker services, such as dressing and bathing
• Social work services and counseling services
• Bereavement services
• Medical equipment such as hospital bed, wheelchair, or oxygen
• Medical supplies such as bandages or catheters
• Medications to control symptoms and relieve pain or discomfort
• Physical, speech and occupational therapy
• Dietary counseling, as necessary
• Short-term hospital care as it relates to the terminal illness
• Short-term respite care for the family, as it relates to the terminal illness

Medicaid

The Medicaid hospice benefit also provides coverage of 100% of the charges associated with our hospice services. The services provided under the Medicaid hospice benefit plan are the same as the services provided for Medicare recipients.

Managed Care Programs/Commercial Insurance Programs

Some of these programs may offer only limited hospice benefits, but our hospice agency will work with you and the insurance company to maximize the benefits available.