How to Pay for Care

We are dedicated to helping you navigate your insurance and payment options so that financial concerns never stand in the way of receiving compassionate care.

Hospice care is a vital service focused on comfort and quality of life, and fortunately, there are several ways to cover the costs. Understanding your options is the first step toward accessing the care you or your loved one needs without financial stress.

For most Americans aged 65 and older, Medicare is the primary payer for hospice services.

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers nearly all aspects of hospice care, provided certain conditions are met, including receiving care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.
• What's Covered: This typically includes doctor and nursing services, medical equipment, pain and symptom management medications, spiritual and grief counseling for the patient and family, and short-term inpatient care (for pain control or symptom management that cannot be managed at home).
• Cost to Patient: In most cases, patients have $0 deductible for hospice services and pay only a very small copayment for prescription drugs and possibly for respite care.

If you have a private or employer-sponsored health insurance plan, your policy likely includes coverage for hospice care.

• Review Your Policy: It is crucial to contact your insurance provider directly or review your Summary of Benefits to understand the specific details of your coverage, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
• Network Requirements: Ensure the hospice provider is in-network to maximize your benefits and minimize costs.
• Coordination of Benefits: If you have both Medicare and private insurance, the plans will coordinate benefits. Medicare is usually the primary payer for qualified hospice services.

While Medicare and private insurance cover the majority of costs, other options are available:

• Medicaid: In many states, Medicaid also offers comprehensive hospice benefits for eligible individuals.
• Veterans Benefits (VA): Veterans may be eligible for hospice care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Self-Pay/Sliding Scale: Some non-profit hospice organizations offer care on a sliding fee scale based on income, or may utilize charitable funds to cover costs for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Our dedicated team is standing by 24/7 to answer your questions and offer support.