Paying for hospice

For nearly two-thirds of hospice patients, Medicare is the primary payer. Other sources of payment include Medicaid and private insurance.

Medicare hospice benefits

You qualify for Medicare hospice benefits if you meet all of the following conditions:

• You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), and
• Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you have a life-limiting illness and death may be expected in six months or less, and
• You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your illness*, and
• You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.

*Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health needs that are not related to your hospice diagnosis.

Medicaid hospice benefits

Most states offer hospice care as a covered Medicaid benefit.

Private insurance

Most insurance plans and many managed care plans offer a hospice benefit.

Private pay

If insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient, the patient and the patient’s family can discuss private pay and payment plans.

Charity care

Under Medicare law, no person may be refused hospice care due to inability to pay. Funds may be available from donations, gifts, or other community sources to help cover the costs of care.

Call a Faith Hospice nurse today at (616) 235-5113 for a free consultation.