Is Hospice Care Covered By Medicare?

​When a patient with a terminal illness opts not to receive therapies to extend their lives, hospice care is offered as a comprehensive support system. Typically, less than six months are predicted for this person's lifespan. 

Care, comfort, and quality of life are the main priorities of a hospice team of specialists and carers. Services are typically offered at your home. Medicare Part A provides coverage for hospice care.

Hospice care
As long as you have a Medicare Part A plan and satisfy all the requirements, you are eligible for hospice care:

Your family doctor and your hospice doctor certify that you have a terminal illness (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less). Hospice care is chosen above treatment aimed at curing your sickness.

You certify that you want hospice care for your terminal illness and associated problems rather than other Medicare-covered therapies.

Medicare-approved hospice care is typically provided in your home or another living space, such as a nursing home. Hospice care is also available in inpatient hospice facilities.

Even though this is exceptional, Original Medicare will nonetheless cover benefits for any health issues that aren't caused by your terminal illness and associated disorders. Once you decide to receive hospice care, your hospice coverage will often pay for all of your requirements.

Who Is Eligible For Hospice Care Covered By Medicare?
Your hospice doctor or physician must certify that you are terminally ill to be eligible for hospice care under Medicare. You are considered terminally sick if your prognosis is six months or fewer. You would be required to sign a statement stating that you choose hospice care over Medicare-funded care for your terminal illness and associated complications.

How Much Does Hospice Care Cost Under Medicare Each Day?
Most of your medical expenses will often be covered by hospice care. The hospice payment rates for 2022 for hospices that send the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality data are as follows:

• Inpatient respite care per day: $473.75
• General inpatient care per day: $1,068.28
• Routine home care per day (days 61+): $160.74
• Continuous home care (24 hours of care): $1,462.52
• Routine home care per day (days 1-60): $203.40

Conclusion
Hospice care provides total comfort and support for you and your family. Medicare covers hospice care at no cost to you and without a deductible. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries are eligible for hospice care coverage from Medicare.

At Lapeira & Associates LLC, we do our best to make sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We will go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (855) 963-6900 or Click Here to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!