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Understanding Hospice Costs

Complete guide to hospice costs, including what's covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Learn about out-of-pocket costs and financial assistance.

Written and reviewed by a board-certified hospice & palliative medicine physician

Last reviewed:

10 min read

One of the most common concerns families have about hospice is cost. The good news is that hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, typically with little to no out-of-pocket costs for services related to the terminal illness. Understanding what's covered and what you might be responsible for can help you plan and make informed decisions.

Good news: If you have Medicare Parts A & B, the Medicare hospice benefit covers core hospice services related to your terminal illness with little to no out-of-pocket cost for most families. This includes nursing care, medications for symptom management, medical equipment, and more.

Source: Medicare.gov — Hospice care coverage

Medicare Hospice Benefit

Medicare Part A covers hospice care for eligible beneficiaries. Here's what's included:

What's Covered by Medicare Hospice

  • •All hospice services (nursing, aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers)
  • •Medications related to the terminal illness and symptom management
  • •Medical equipment (hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen, etc.)
  • •Medical supplies (wound care, incontinence supplies, etc.)
  • •Short-term inpatient care and respite care
  • •Bereavement support for families

What You May Pay For

  • •Up to $5 per prescription for outpatient drugs for pain and symptom management
  • •5% coinsurance for inpatient respite care (capped at the Part A inpatient deductible)
  • •Room and board: If you're in a nursing home or assisted living, you're still responsible for room and board (hospice services are covered separately)
  • •Care unrelated to the terminal illness uses your regular Medicare cost-sharing

Source: Medicare.gov — Hospice care coverage

Medicaid Hospice Benefit

Medicaid also covers hospice care, and coverage is similar to Medicare. Medicaid hospice benefits vary slightly by state, but generally include:

  • •Core hospice services with little or no out-of-pocket cost for most families
  • •Medications, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness
  • •Inpatient and respite care
  • •Bereavement support

Private Insurance Coverage

Most private insurance plans (including employer-sponsored plans, individual plans, and Medicare Advantage plans) cover hospice care. Coverage details vary by plan, but most follow Medicare's hospice benefit structure:

  • •Most private insurance plans also cover hospice care, often with benefits similar to Medicare. Benefits vary by plan—verify coverage with your insurer and hospice.
  • •Coverage typically includes medications, equipment, and supplies
  • •Check with your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage details
  • •Some plans may have different requirements or limitations

If You Don't Have Insurance

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover hospice, there are still options:

Many Hospices Provide Charity Care

Most hospices have charity care programs or sliding fee scales for patients who can't afford care. Many times hospices won't turn away patients based on ability to pay.

Apply for Medicaid

If you're eligible, Medicaid can cover hospice care. Your hospice social worker can help you apply.

Community Resources

Local charities, foundations, and community organizations may provide financial assistance for hospice care.

Sources

Medicare.gov — Hospice care coverage

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