What is Covered in Hospice Care?

Patients and families often have questions about who pays the bills for hospice care. Hospice is a Medicare Part A benefit; these services also are available under Medicaid and private insurance. Individuals also can choose to pay privately for hospice services.

The patient is rarely responsible for any hospice cost, except when paying privately. In the event there is a charge, our staff will make the patient and family aware of any expenses to be incurred.

The following services are covered under most hospice benefits:

  • Hospice Medical Director oversight and visits as needed
  • Nurse case manager visits
  • Nurse Practitioner visits
  • Certified nursing assistant visits
  • Social worker and chaplain visits
  • Comfort care medications
  • Medical supplies
  • Medical equipment

We meet the complete needs of our patients by providing ancillary services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. These are provided if approved by the primary care physician in consultation with the hospice medical director and interdisciplinary team.

There are four levels of hospice care:

Routine home care

Routine home care in the residence, assisted living facility or apartment, or nursing facility.

General inpatient care

General inpatient care at a contracted facility, when the patient’s condition requires symptom management and skilled nursing intervention.

Respite care

Respite care, when the patient or caregiver needs a short period of relief.

Continuous care

Continuous care, when there is a major change in condition that requires eight to 24 hours of skilled care per day from a nurse or certified nursing assistant.