Do You Have to Pay for Hospice Care?

Do You Have to Pay for Hospice Care?

Seeking out hospice care for a loved one can be a stressful process. The last thing you need to worry about is money, but money is often the first thing you worry about.

It’s an understandable concern, and one that we can help you better understand.

Here’s everything you need to know about the many ways that hospice care can be paid for.

Is Hospice Care Paid For?

While not always the case, hospice care is often paid for on behalf of patients who have a terminal illness.

This way, doctors, nurses, and others can work with a patient during their end-of-life process and make sure it’s as comfortable as possible, all without the burden of out-of-pocket payments.

Who Pays for Hospice Care?

Depending on the patient’s situation, hospice care could be paid for through different means. Here are some of the most common ways for hospice care to be covered.

Medicaid and Medicare

By way of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, the most common way for patients to receive coverage for hospice care is through Medicare. To qualify for Medicare’s Hospice Benefit, a patient must be 65 years or older, have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and have been confirmed by a doctor to have six months or less to live.

Medicaid may also provide coverage for hospice care if the patient’s income is too low to pay for it on his or her own. This benefit will depend on the state the patient lives in.

Health Insurance

In some cases, private health insurance can pay for hospice care. Since not every private insurance provider offers hospice care, it’s important to make sure it’s covered when deciding on the best private insurance policy for yourself or a family member.

Veteran’s Benefits

The Veteran’s Health Administration also happens to cover hospice care, though you’ll still want to contact your hospice care service in order to confirm your or your loved one’s eligibility.

While not exactly the same, it’s worth noting that the coverage provided by the Veteran’s Health Administration is largely similar to the hospice benefits of Medicare. 

There’s More Than One Way to Pay for Hospice Care

Money is a pervading concern for most families, and it’s no different when it comes to hospice care. Thankfully, there are multiple options available for families looking to ensure their loved ones can receive the proper end-of-life care.

Whether it’s Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, or veteran’s benefits, there are multiple ways to ensure that taking care of your elders doesn’t break the bank.

Are you considering hospice care for your loved one? Reach out to Divinity Hospice online or by phone (281-339-7079). We’ll give your loved one the respect, attention, and personalized care they deserve.