Medicare is government-provided health insurance for seniors who are over 65. Original Medicare, Parts A and B, provides coverage for inpatient, medically necessary, and preventive services as well as approved health care supplies. You may be surprised to know that Medicare also covers costs associated with end-of-life care. Namely, hospice. Here’s what to know.
Those who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less can use hospice, medical support used for comfort and symptom management near the end of life. Hospice typically includes:
Hospice has no term limit. Even though a person must be determined near the end of life when first obtained, care can exceed 6 months, as long as their condition is considered to be life-limiting.
Learn more about hospice here.
Medicare Part A will pay for hospice care when a senior is deemed terminally ill by their doctor. Also required is a signed statement choosing hospice care instead of other curative treatments.
Medicare will pay for just about any service or treatment that a senior’s hospice care team recommends. Some common services included are:
Although Medicare pays for seniors to receive hospice care, there are a few things it will not cover. This includes:
Need more help with hospice care? Then start with these resources:
Senior Resource Glossary of Hospice Terms
National Institute on Aging – End of Life
Do you need more Medicare help? Then start here:
Medicare Moments Podcast with Toni King
Originally published June 22, 2023