Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurances. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance plan, hospices will work with the patient and their family to ensure needed services are provided.

Initiated in 1983, the Medicare Hospice Benefit is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice care receive a full scope of non-curative medical and support services for their enhancing the value of the Medicare Hospice Benefit.

You are eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of the following conditions:

• You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), and
• Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you are terminally ill and probably have less than six months to live, and
• You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your terminal illness, and You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice company.

Please note:

• Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren't related to your terminal illness.

Hospice services routinely covered by insurance include:

* Doctor Services
* Skilled Nurse Care
* Social Worker Services
* Dietary Counseling
* Speech Therapy
* Spiritual Counseling
* Medical Equipment (ex..wheelchairs or walkers)
* Medical Supplies (ex..bandages and catheters)
* Grief support to help you and your family
* Drugs for symptom control and pain relief
* Certified Nurse Aide services
* Physical and Occupational Therapy
* Short-term care in hospital, including respite and inpatient for pain and symptom management