Home hospice care is generally less expensive than inpatient care at a hospital or facility because the care is tailored to address your parent or loved one’s specific needs. Volunteers provide many of the non-medical services, which further cuts costs.
Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans provide hospice coverage, but certain conditions must be met in order to qualify:
- Your loved one is eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance).
- The attending physician and the hospice medical director certify that your loved one has a terminal illness and death may be expected in six months or less.
- Your loved one signs a statement choosing hospice care instead of curative Medicare covered benefits.
- Your loved one signs up with a Medicare-approved hospice program.
Most hospices receive funding from charitable foundations, which helps cover expenses for those who have limited funds and can’t afford the co-pay, or who aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
