Hospice is one of Medicare's most comprehensive benefits. Here's what it covers and what it costs you.
What does Medicare hospice care cover?
Medicare Part A covers comprehensive hospice care when your doctor and the hospice medical director certify you're terminally ill with six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course, and you choose comfort care over curative treatment. Covered services include nursing care, medical equipment and supplies, prescription drugs for symptom and pain relief, hospice aide and homemaker services, physical and occupational therapy, dietary counseling, social work, and grief and spiritual counseling for you and your family. Care is usually provided in your home. Most people pay nothing for hospice care. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427 for compassionate, free guidance.
What will hospice cost you under Medicare?
Medicare covers hospice care at little to no cost. You pay nothing for hospice services themselves. You may pay a small copayment of up to $5 for each prescription drug for pain and symptom management, and 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care that gives your family caregiver a short break. Room and board are not covered if you live in a facility, but the medical hospice services are. You can stay in hospice as long as the hospice doctor recertifies that you remain terminally ill. To understand the benefit fully, call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427.