Hospice care maintains the quality of life for patients with terminal ailments to enjoy the final phase of their lives. Normally the patient has only six months or less to live—hospice care provides comfort and peace of mind as they live their final days. There are different hospice care modes, including home hospice care or in-patient services, and hospice payments depend on the mode. There are different funding sources for hospice, and most patients don’t pay for hospice care.
What Insurance Covers
Private health insurance covers some bills of hospice care. Therefore, it is crucial to check with your insurance provider to know whether hospice care is covered. The insurer might have qualifications for the hospice care to be provided, and if you don’t qualify, your insurance may not pay for the care.
Medicare
Medicare covers most or all hospice care costs for most patients, as long as the hospice care company is Medicare-approved. Almost all hospice care facilities in the United States are certified by Medicare except for a few companies. Hospice coverage falls under Medicare part A, the hospital insurance category.
Coverage qualification is relatively easy. If a patient is terminally ill and has six months or less to live, they qualify for Medicare hospice care coverage. Patients receive hospice care for free, but in some instances, they may be required to pay for not more than $5 for drugs or other products needed for the care. The patient may also be required to pay for 5% of the respite care.
When patients start receiving hospice benefits, Medicare will not cover curative treatments for the terminal illness. However, it will still cover any other medical condition the patient has unrelated to the terminal illness. Medicare covers hospice costs which include:
- Nursing and physician care
- Pain and symptoms control
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Respite care
- Bereavement support
Other Sources
If a patient does not have insurance cover, hospice care centers allow the patient to pay for the services. Patients who cannot afford to pay for the services and do not have insurance can receive the services free or at a reduced fee. This is possible through assistance from donations and grants. Ameriprime has finance personnel who guide the patient and their family on the payment options and can address any issues regarding who pays for hospice care.
Compassionate and Caring Help
Hospice care payments are a real concern to many families and patients. Our end-of-life care professionals can answer any questions or concerns you might have. Are you in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? Don’t hesitate to contact us at (972) 787-0949 or on the contact form on our website to learn more about who pays for hospice care.
