About the Medicare Hospice Benefit
The Medicare Hospice Benefit is offered through Part A (Hospital Insurance) and is available to those who have a terminal illness and whose life expectancy is months rather than years. The Medicaid Hospice Benefit mirrors the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
As a Medicare beneficiary, you are entitled to the Medicare Hospice Benefit if you:
- Have Medicare Part A (hospital) coverage and
- Are certified by your doctor and the hospice medical director as appropriate for hospice care; and
- Sign a statement choosing a Medicare-certified hospice program using the Medicare Hospice Benefit for the terminal illness.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the services that are provided by your hospice care team as long as services are related to the hospice diagnosis and are outlined in your care plan. Services may include:
- Physician consultation to promote comfort
- Nursing care
- All medications related to the hospice diagnosis
- Medical supplies (e.g., bandages and catheters) and medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs or walkers)
- Short-term care in the hospital
- Respite care at a contracted facility
- Home health aide
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Social worker
- Chaplain
- Dietary counseling
- Grief and loss counseling to help you and your family
