When dealing with a progressive illness, patients and their loved ones have many worries and concerns. However, financial concerns for end-of-life care do not have to be one of them. Numerous options are available to pay for hospice care, and many are not financially burdensome.
Does Medicare cover hospice care?
If a person has Medicare coverage, the hospice benefit plan will cover 100% of the expenses as long as a Medicare-approved hospice provider gives the service. However, there are some eligibility requirements that the patient should meet to qualify for the benefit, such as:
After the patient starts hospice care, they can still get coverage for unrelated conditions. However, depending on the specific Medicare plan, deductible and coinsurance amounts could be applicable. Moreover, according to the illness progression, the provider might tell the patients how long Medicare will pay for hospice.
Medicare hospice benefits
If a patient qualifies for hospice care, they and their family will work with the hospice team to build up a plan of care that meets their wishes, needs, and goals. Depending on the illness and related conditions, Medicare hospice benefits might include the following:
Other ways to pay for hospice care
Depending on their state’s requirements, Medicaid-selected groups could also be eligible for hospice care. The best option is to contact a State Medicaid Agency to clarify your options.
Some patients use private insurance plans to pay for hospice and other end-of-life care services. Employers or retirement programs often provide these plans. Nevertheless, every health insurance company might have specific hospice care eligibility requirements.
Some other ways to pay for hospice care are Veterans’ Benefits, crowdfunding schemes, charity organizations, and even out-of-pocket money. It’s essential to be informed about different forms of payment before taking a financial hit.
At Ascend Hospice Care, we are always ready to answer any question to determine the best way to pay for hospice services. We are fully committed to providing our patients with the best possible support and being by their side when they need us most.
