What Medicare hospice covers
Understand the benefit, continuing eligibility, and common costs.
Care centered on comfort
The benefit includes services related to the terminal illness and related conditions, arranged through the hospice plan of care. Ask the hospice to explain medications, equipment, and after-hours support.
Six months is not a countdown
Care can continue beyond six months when the patient remains eligible and the required recertification is completed.
Questions about costs
Medicare generally does not pay room and board at home or in a nursing facility under the hospice benefit. Limited copayments may apply to outpatient symptom-control prescriptions and inpatient respite care. Confirm coverage with the hospice before arranging outside services.
Sources & further reading
General educational information. Discuss individual care decisions with your healthcare team.