Paying for hospice care is a common concern for many families, but many major insurance providers see the need for this important care and offer coverage. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, VA benefits (including TRICARE), Medicaid, and many private insurance policies. These benefits provide patients and their families with end-of-life care without overwhelming financial burdens. For eligible patients, Medicare, the Medicare Advantage plan, and hospice coverage offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families. It covers medications, personal supplies, and home medical equipment related to a terminal illness.
Hospice and the Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and other insurance plans typically cover expenses if these requirements are met:
- Your doctor and a medical director from a hospice program certify the patient has six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course.
- The patient signs a statement choosing hospice instead of curative treatments for their terminal illness. You can stop hospice and return to curative treatment at any time.
- The patient receives care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.
- Support is provided in a private home, nursing home, a hospital, or anywhere a person calls home.
Some medications may require a five percent co-pay. Providers customize a plan of care with input from you and your doctors. Talk with your hospice agency early and often about possible out-of-pocket expenses.
Hospice services include respite care for families needing a short break from in-home care. Patients or their families are responsible for five percent of the cost of respite care at a Medicare-approved facility.
Medicare Hospice Coverage with the VA
Medicare has a mobile app called What’s Covered to help you understand coverage. Find the What’s Covered app in Google Play or the Apple App store. Additionally, you can visit the hospice information page on Medicare.gov.
Compassus is Medicare certified in every state we serve. Ask your health provider or have them call a Compassus location to verify Medicare or private coverage and benefits.
Hospice care is a VA benefit for qualified Veterans in the final chapter of their lives, typically six months or less. The VA works closely with local hospice agencies to provide care at home, in a nursing facility, or hospital.
Private Insurance for Hospice Care Costs
Most private insurance health plans cover the cost of hospice and palliative care. These plans typically have eligibility requirements that match Medicare and offer the same list of services.
Talk to your insurance provider for details about eligibility, deductibles, and possible co-pays. A few insurance plans have unique respite or general inpatient requirements.
Hospice care is a VA benefit for qualified Veterans in the final chapter of their lives, typically six months or less. The VA works closely with local hospice agencies to provide care at home, in a nursing facility, or hospital.
Medicaid Benefits for End-of-Life Care
Medicaid hospice benefits vary by state. Coverage in most states is similar to Medicare benefits. Some states require a co-pay for certain hospice services, usually determined by income. Hospice eligibility requirements and services are similar for Medicare and Medicaid.
Covered Hospice Services
- Home medical equipment and personal supplies
- Around-the-clock access to care
- Management of complex pain and other symptoms
- Hospice aide for personal care and light homemaking
- Medical social services
- Spiritual care and support
- Physical, occupational, dietary, and speech therapies
- Support from volunteers
- Short-term inpatient respite care for family caregivers
- Ongoing grief counseling for the patient, family, and friends
Contact Compassus Today
For more information concerning home health, infusion, hospice, and palliative care, please contact Compassus today. We provide care and comfort to families across the United States and work with most major insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Visit our locations page to find a hospice program near you. Call us 24/7 at 833.380.9583 for information about hospice and Medicare Advantage plan coverage or to schedule a free consultation.
