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.