Understanding Hospice
For 20 years, hospice has been a fully covered benefit under Medicare. Hospice is also covered by Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs and other managed care organizations.
Cost/Insurance
Understanding Costs & Insurance
Payment and Insurance issues will not create additional stress for patients when they enter the Hospice Care Network program. Though everything will be fully explained upon admission to the program, these basic questions are usually asked by patients before entering our program:
• Is hospice care covered by insurance?
• What care and services are usually covered?
• What are the charges for staying at one of the Hospice centers?
• Is financial assistance available to those who may need it?
• How are hospice services covered for nursing home patients?
When a patient qualifies medically for hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance policies have hospice benefits. Special funds are put aside for military veterans. People can choose to pay privately, or in some cases, Hospice Care Network bills on an “ability to pay” basis, or pro bono care. Since some pay nothing or very little, contributions are utilized to offset expenses. No patient is refused service based on inability to pay.
