Hospice Cost

HOW IS HOSPICE PAID FOR?

MEDICARE/MEDICAID/PRIVATE INSURANCE/PRIVATE PAY

Medicare and Medicaid provides a hospice benefit that covers the full cost of hospice care. The care covered includes a hospice team to help care for a patient and provide them with medications and medical equipment to manage symptoms related to their diagnosis.

If you elect the Medicare Hospice Benefit, you do not give up all other Medicare benefits. In order to elect the Medicare Hospice Benefit, you must be enrolled in Medicare, Part A. However, you may still use all appropriate Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, if enrolled, for the treatment of health problems not related to your hospice diagnosis. When standard benefits are used for conditions not related to hospice, you are responsible for Medicare’s deductible and coinsurance amounts.

Medicare covers the following hospice services when related to a hospice diagnosis and pays nearly all of the associated costs:

  • Medicare covers the following hospice services when related to a hospice diagnosis and pays nearly all of the associated costs:
  • Nursing care and Certified Nursing Assistant services
  • Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers
  • Medical supplies, such as bandages and catheters
  • Medications to manage and control symptoms and relieve pain
  • Physical and occupational assessments
  • Social worker services
  • Chaplain services
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Grief and loss counseling for patients and families

MEDICARE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION (HMO)

Medicare HMOs, such as Secure Horizons and Texas Health Springs, also cover hospice care. You do not have to relinquish other HMO services to receive hospice care.

PRIVATE INSURANCE

In most cases, private insurance plans provide a hospice benefit. Deductibles, co-pays and limits of coverage are set by your policy. The Altus Hospice Admissions Department will verify eligibility for hospice care and any limits that may apply.

SELF-PAY

Self-pay rates and payment arrangements are available through our administrative offices. The Admissions Team will discuss your situation and work with you.