Payment for Hospice Care
Hospice is primarily paid through the Medicare Hospice Benefit for all patients 65 years and over regardless of their Commercial Insurance plan. Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurances will cover if the patient does not have coverage through Medicare.
Eligibility and Benefits
A
HOSPICE ELIGIBILITY
Medicare Part A will pay 100% of a patient's Hospice Care needs.
You are eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of the following conditions:
1. You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), and
2. Your hospice doctor and your regular doctor (if you have one) certify that you’re terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less).
3. You accept comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your illness.
4. You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.