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Who Pays for Hospice: Medicare/Insurance
When Hospice is on your side, you're never alone, and you don't have to shoulder the financial burden yourself either. Financial coverage is available through the Hospice Medicare Benefits, HMOs and private insurance companies.
Private Insurance Benefits
Many private insurance companies and HMOs provide coverage for Hospice services. Most private insurance companies provide a Hospice benefit. This hospice is a preferred provider for most HMO's and PPO's in our service area. For details, contact your insurance company or call the Hospice office.
Medicare Benefits
Hospice is available as a benefit under Medicare (Part A). Medicare beneficiaries who choose Hospice care receive non-curative medical support and psychosocial services to help cope with both the symptoms of the terminal disease as well as the emotional and spiritual struggles of end-of-life issues.
The Hospice Medicare Benefit covers all fees for services of the Hospice Team, plus the costs of all medications, medical supplies, ancillary therapies and durable medical equipment related to the hospice condition. There are no exclusions, no deductions, and no co-payments. Hospice handles all billing and the patient and family are not involved in the reimbursement process.
Hospice services are provided on the basis of need and not on an inability to pay for services. Uninsured patients are provided comprehensive hospice services without discrimination.
Patients entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A can choose Hospice care when they meet the Hospice admission criteria; basically, when the patient's doctor and the Hospice Medical Director certify the patient prognosis is limited to months, not years. Medical needs unrelated to the Hospice diagnosis continue to be covered under Standard Medicare Benefits.
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