Paying For Hospice:  Medicare, Medicaid
& Other Options

Hospice care is paid for in a variety of ways.  Listed below are some options available to assist in paying for Accredited Hospices of America services.

Medicare - If the terminally ill individual is a Medicare beneficiary, hospice is a covered benefit under Part A.  All other Medicare services continue under Parts A & B, including those of the person's attending physician.  Hospice payments do not interfere with any other medicare payments for other illnesses, diseases, or care.

Medicaid - Nearly all states and the District of Columbia offer hospice coverage under Medicaid.  In general, Medicaid hospice benefits parallel the Medicare benefit, although there may be some variations in certain states.

Private Insurance - Most insurance plans issued by employers and many managed care plans offer a hospice benefit.  In most cases, the coverage is similar to the Medicare benefit, although there may be some variations between employers.

Tricare - Tricare is the health benefits program for military personnel and retirees.  Hospice is a fully covered benefit under TRICARE.  Only Medicare-certified hospices can provide for the TRICARE hospice benefit, therefore, it is important that patients and family check with the Health Benefit Advisor or Health Care Finder to help them locate a qualified hospice agency.

Charity Care - Under Medicare law, ho person may be refused hospice care due to inability to pay.  Each hospice has a financial specialist on staff to answer questions about receiving financial assistance.  Funds may be available from donations, gifts, grants, or other community sources to help cover the costs of care.