Hospice is a program of care that integrates the compassion, expertise, skills, and perspectives of a diverse team that includes:

• A medical director
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Certified nursing assistants
• Clergy
• Volunteers
• Professional bereavement counselors  

When you and your family determine that a cure is no longer available- and you want to enjoy the months or weeks that remain-Tillery Compassionate Care will manage the pain and symptoms that may accompany your illness. 

One of the most common concerns for patients and their families is how hospice care is financed. They wonder ‘Who pays for hospice care?’

Fortunately, in the United States, there are several sources that cover the costs associated with hospice, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and donations.

Who Pays for Hospice Care? A Closer Look

1. Medicare

The largest payer for hospice care in the U.S. is Medicare, through the Medicare Hospice Benefit. 

This benefit is available to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part A and have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. 

Once a patient elects hospice under Medicare, they agree to forego curative treatments related to their terminal diagnosis and instead receive palliative care focused on comfort and quality of life.

Medicare covers virtually all aspects of hospice care, including:

• Visits from hospice nurses and aides
• Physician services
• Medications related to terminal illness
• Durable medical equipment (like hospital beds or oxygen) 
• Short-term inpatient stays
• Bereavement services for the family 

(Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2022). 

The coverage is comprehensive, and for most patients, there are little to no out-of-pocket costs.

2. Medicaid

For those who qualify, Medicaid also pays for hospice care. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, and each state administers its own Medicaid hospice benefit based on federal guidelines.

3. Private Insurance

Many private health insurance plans also cover hospice services, though the extent of coverage can vary significantly depending on the insurer and specific policy. 

Patients or caregivers should review their policy or speak with an insurance representative to understand any limitations, such as network requirements, co-pays, or prior authorization (American Cancer Society, 2023).

4. Veterans Affairs (VA)

Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system may also be eligible for hospice services. The Department of Veterans Affairs [Link to: https://www.va.gov/ ] provides hospice care through VA medical centers, community hospices, or the VA’s home-based primary care program. Veterans may receive hospice care regardless of whether their terminal illness is service-related

5. Out-of-Pocket Payments and Charitable Support

For individuals who are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance coverage, out-of-pocket payment is an option, though it is relatively rare. 

Tillery Compassionate Care: Committed to Families and the Community

As a nonprofit organization, Tillery Compassionate Care is committed to providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.  This is possible through generous donations from our community.

Do you want to learn more about who pays for hospice care or the many programs and services Tillery Compassionate Care offers? Just contact us for more information at (704) 983-4216.