Hospice services are paid for by Medicare, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare and commercial insurance. Your hospice program works with you and your family to identify ways to pay for services. In most instances there is no cost to patients for hospice services.
Medicare
Hospice care is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit (Part A). You may choose this comprehensive benefit if
- you are eligible for Medicare Part A.
- your physician and the hospice medical director certify that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.
- you enroll in hospice instead of the standard Medicare benefits for care of the terminal illness.
- you receive care from a Medicare-certified hospice program.
Medicare pays only for services that are authorized by the hospice program. You may discontinue the hospice benefit at any time and resume your standard Medicare benefit.
While enrolled in hospice, standard Medicare benefits are still available for treatment of health problems unrelated to the terminal illness, and all Part B benefits for physician services are also available.
If the hospice you choose is not Medicare certified, it will provide some services and will work with other agencies to provide services that will be paid for by Medicare.
HOSPICE PAYMENT SYSTEM FACT SHEET (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website)
Medical Assistance & Minnesota Care
If you are eligible for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, you also have a hospice benefit, which includes the same services as the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
Commercial Insurance
If you have health care coverage through an insurance company, contact your insurance company to find out specific coverage.