Did you know that if you pay for hospice care out of pocket, the daily rate for continuous home care can reach over $1,400? That’s where Medicare comes into play.
If your family is struggling with the heartbreaking decision to put a loved one in hospice, you may have heard about Medicare paying for some of the costs associated with care, but will Medicare pay for hospice in full?
This quick guide will dive into everything you need to know about how Medicare can help cover your loved one’s hospice care. From learning how to pay for hospice care using Medicare to what’s included, here’s everything you need to know.
Does Medicare Pay for Hospice in Full?
Yes, the Medicare program must pay for all “medically necessary” care. This includes hospital and doctor care. Also, it doesn’t have a limit as it’s independent of the cost or conditions hospice patients are in. You must meet certain requirements though (which we’ll explore below).
The value of the service is huge for many American families wondering how to pay for hospice. Debt.org reported that, of the 2.854 million Americans that died in 2019, 82% were beneficiaries of Medicare at the time.
So, to sum things up. Does Medicare pay for hospice? Yes, they will cover everything you need related to your terminal illness, provided you meet the requirements listed below.
Eligibility for Medicare Hospice Benefit
Medicare’s hospice benefit offers care and comfort to those facing a terminal illness. To be eligible, patients must meet specific criteria:
- Meet the age requirement (65 years or older)
- Be diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness
- Be certified by a doctor as having six months or less to live
Additionally, they must agree to forego treatments that may cure or extend their life to receive hospice benefits.
Hospice services must also be provided by an approved Medicare provider and last for two 90-day periods with an unlimited number of 60-day periods after that. During the subsequent 60-day periods of care, a doctor must re-certify the patient’s situation.
What Are Medicare Hospice Benefits?
Medicare’s hospice coverage is designed to provide comfort and support during end-of-life care. This includes access to high-quality health professionals that provide hospice services, including the following:
- Nursing care
- Physician services
- Medical social worker services
- Counseling
- Inpatient care
Hospice services strive to ensure that each patient’s final days are comfortable and safe. They offer plenty of support from healthcare professionals and loved ones alike. Most importantly, access to medical appliances and supplies is available, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy if needed.
To top it off, Medicare also offers bereavement services so families can properly process their grief after losing a loved one. All these components comprise the comprehensive coverage Medicare provides for hospice care.
Get Hospice Services in Thousand Oaks & Los Angeles
So, does Medicare pay for hospice in full? Pretty much, yes. You might have to rely on Medicaid or private insurance to cover the remaining costs. However, Medicare must pay for all medically necessary hospital and doctor care regardless of the costs.
If you’re interested in discussing hospice services or other end-of-life care options, don’t hesitate to contact us and experienced care specialists. We’re here to help you with whatever you need.