Medicare Covers Hospice Care
Medicare is the primary payer for most hospice patients in the United States. Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, all services related to the hospice diagnosis are covered at 100% for eligible patients.
To qualify for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, a patient must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A
- Have a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician
- Choose comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment for the terminal diagnosis
If you’re unsure whether your loved one meets these criteria, our team is happy to walk you through it. You can also review our hospice eligibility guidelines for a clear explanation of the qualification process.
Medi-Cal Also Covers Hospice
Medi-Cal program mirrors the Medicare Hospice Benefit for eligible patients. If your loved one is enrolled in Medi-Cal, hospice services, including all covered equipment, medications, and nursing care, are provided at no cost.
Our team handles all insurance coordination on your behalf so you never have to navigate billing questions alone.
What About Private Insurance?
Most private and commercial insurance plans include hospice benefits that follow the same framework as Medicare. Coverage details vary by plan, but hospice care is widely recognized as a standard benefit.
Our admissions team verifies your loved one’s coverage before care begins and explains exactly what is covered and what, if anything, is not.
What Is Covered Under the Hospice Benefit?
This is one of the most important things families need to understand: the hospice benefit is comprehensive. It goes far beyond nursing visits.
When your loved one is admitted to hospice care with Grace and Glory Hospice, the following are covered as part of their plan of care:
Medical Equipment
All durable medical equipment (DME) related to the hospice diagnosis is provided and delivered directly to the home or care setting, at no cost to you. This includes:
- Hospital bed
- Oxygen
- Wheelchair
- Over the bed table
- Bedside commode
Medical Supplies
Supplies are restocked regularly and coordinated through your hospice team. Covered supplies include:
- Incontinence supplies – briefs, pads, wipes, and related items
- Wound care supplies – as needed and related to the hospice diagnosis
- General medical supplies such as gloves, dressings, and personal care items
Comfort Medications
Medications directly related to the hospice diagnosis and focused on symptom management are covered in full.
Note: Medications unrelated to the hospice diagnosis may not be covered under the hospice benefit. Your care team will clarify this during the admission process.
Skilled Nursing and Clinical Care
Registered nurse visits for assessment, symptom management, and care coordination
- On-call nursing support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Coordination with your loved one’s physician and our Medical Director
Learn more about the full scope of care services included in your loved one’s hospice care.
Emotional, Spiritual, and Social Support
Hospice care extends well beyond physical comfort. Covered services also include:
- Social care – practical guidance, advance directives, and family support
- Spiritual care – chaplain support for patients and families of all backgrounds and beliefs
- Bereavement care – ongoing grief support for family members after a loved one passes
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Costs
Does hospice care cost anything out of pocket?
For patients who qualify under Medicare or Medi-Cal, there are no co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs for covered hospice services. Most private insurance plans also cover hospice with little to no patient cost-sharing. Our team confirms your specific coverage before care begins.
Does Medicare cover hospice at home?
Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers care provided wherever your loved one lives, including private homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and residential care homes.
Will Medicare pay for a hospital bed and other equipment?
Yes. Durable medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis including a hospital bed, wheelchair, bedside commode, over-the-bed table, and oxygen.
Does hospice cover incontinence supplies?
Yes. Incontinence supplies such as briefs, pads, and wipes are covered under the hospice benefit when they are related to the patient’s care needs.
Does hospice pay for medications?
Hospice covers medications that are related to the terminal diagnosis and focused on comfort and symptom management. Medications unrelated to the hospice diagnosis may need to be covered separately.
What happens if my loved one needs more than six months of hospice?
The Medicare Hospice Benefit does not end after six months. As long as the patient continues to meet eligibility criteria, hospice benefits can be recertified and continue indefinitely.
Can hospice be stopped if my loved one improves?
Yes. Hospice is a voluntary benefit. If your loved one’s condition stabilizes or improves, they can choose to leave hospice and return to curative treatment at any time. If their condition later declines again, they can re-enroll in hospice.
What if we have private insurance instead of Medicare?
Most private insurance plans include hospice benefits. The specific coverage details vary by plan, but our team verifies your benefits before admission and explains exactly what is covered.
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Talk Through Hospice Coverage With Us
If you’re wondering whether your loved one qualifies, what their insurance covers, or how to start hospice care, we’re here to help. Call us anytime at (650) 898-5784 or contact our team online. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Not sure if your loved one qualifies yet? Start with: hospice eligibility guidelines or learn more about what to expect from hospice care.