Hospice cost depends almost entirely on your coverage. Here's what you'll actually pay with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
How much does hospice cost with Medicare?
For patients with Medicare Part A, hospice care is essentially free. There is no hospice deductible and no coinsurance for the core services: nursing, doctor visits, aides, equipment, supplies, and counseling. The only out-of-pocket costs are up to $5 for each outpatient prescription drug used for pain and symptom management, and 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care. Room and board in a nursing facility is not covered by the hospice benefit. Because Medicare absorbs the vast majority of hospice expense, cost is rarely a barrier for eligible seniors.
What does hospice cost without Medicare?
For those paying privately, hospice costs vary by the level of care. Routine home care typically runs roughly $150 to $200 per day, while continuous home care and general inpatient care, which involve intensive nursing, can exceed $500 to $1,000 per day. Most private insurers and Medicaid in every state also cover hospice, often with terms similar to Medicare. Veterans may receive hospice through the VA. If you're uninsured or underinsured, many nonprofit hospices offer charity care or sliding-scale fees so no one is turned away for inability to pay.
Can a Medigap plan reduce hospice costs?
Yes. Every standardized Medigap plan covers the Part A hospice coinsurance, wiping out even the small prescription and respite charges Medicare leaves behind. More importantly, Medigap continues paying deductibles and coinsurance for any care unrelated to your terminal illness, so a hospital stay for a separate condition won't blindside your family with bills. That predictability matters during an emotional time. To compare Medigap plans and confirm your hospice costs are fully covered, call 1-800-MEDIGAP and speak with a licensed specialist at no cost.