How Much Does Hospice Care Cost?
Hospice care is something people don’t like to discuss, and it’s not difficult to see why. Hospice is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on providing comfort, support, and compassionate care to individuals whose life expectancy is six months or less. The primary goal of hospice is to enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. However, many people may have questions about end-of-life care. Specifically, how much does it cost? Does Medicare cover hospice? Does Medicaid? Here’s what you should know.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care emphasizes the management of symptoms and pain relief to ensure the highest level of comfort for the patient. This may involve medications, therapies, and other interventions aimed at alleviating physical distress. Hospice care is often provided in the patient’s home, allowing them to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment. However, a patient can also receive care in hospice facilities, nursing homes, or assisted living settings. Additionally, hospice generally begins when a patient has a prognosis of six months or less to live. The decision to enter hospice is a personal one, made collaboratively between the patient, their family, and the healthcare team. Ultimately, hospice aims to ensure the comfort, quality of life, and dignity of the patient at the end of their lives.
Hospice Care at Home
Home hospice care is the most common type, where hospice services are provided in the patient’s home. This allows the individual to receive care in a familiar and comfortable environment, surrounded by loved ones. The hospice team—including nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains—visits the patient’s home to provide medical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Continuous Care Hospice
Continuous care hospice is a level of care provided at home during periods of crisis when the patient is experiencing uncontrolled symptoms that require intensive interventions. During these times, a hospice team, including nursing staff, may provide round-the-clock care until they stabilize symptoms.
Inpatient Hospice Care
Inpatient hospice care is provided in a dedicated hospice facility or within a designated unit of a hospital. This type of care may be recommended when the patient’s symptoms cannot be effectively managed at home or when a higher level of medical attention is required. Inpatient hospice units are equipped to provide 24-hour care and support.
Respite Care
The primary purpose of respite care is to offer caregivers a temporary break from their caregiving duties. It acknowledges the challenges of providing continuous care and aims to prevent burnout among family members. Patients can generally receive care in a Medicare-certified hospice setting while their caregivers recharge.
What Does Hospice Cost?
The cost of hospice care can vary based on several factors, including the type of care, location, and specific services required. In many cases, health insurance covers the cost of hospice care. Additionally, Medicare and Medicaid may also provide coverage for hospice care. Medicare typically provides $207 a day for routine home care for the first sixty days. Additional days cost $163 a day. Continuous care is a little more pricey, averaging around $1,492 a day. Meanwhile, general inpatient costs around $1,068 on average, while respite care costs around $473 a day (according to Debt.org).
How Can Medicare Help?
Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for hospice care, including all services related to terminal illness. This coverage includes medications, medical equipment, and support services. Medicare beneficiaries pay little to no out-of-pocket costs for hospice care. To be eligible for hospice benefits under Medicare, individuals must be enrolled in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and meet the criteria for hospice care, including a terminal prognosis. Additionally, they must cease treatment. Medicare beneficiaries can choose to receive hospice care instead of regular Medicare-covered benefits for the terminal illness.
How Can Medicaid Help?
Medicaid, the joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, also covers hospice services. Coverage may vary from state to state. Medicaid’s hospice benefits are similar to those provided by Medicare, and they are designed to offer comprehensive end-of-life care for individuals with a terminal illness.
How Can Veterans Benefits Help?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides hospice care benefits for eligible veterans through the VA’s hospice and palliative care programs. However, it’s important to note that coverage may depend on both the veteran’s income level and disability status.
Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket If I Don’t Have Medicare, Medicaid, or Veterans Benefits?
Unfortunately, yes. Individuals who do not have insurance coverage or who have limited coverage may need to pay for hospice care out of pocket. However, many hospice providers work with individuals and families to develop payment plans based on financial need. According to AmericanHospice.org, financial assistance is generally provided through donations, gifts, grants, or other community sources. They urge patients to reach out to their local hospices for further information on this payment method.
Can Private Insurance Cover Hospice Care?
Many private insurance plans cover hospice care, but coverage details can vary. Individuals and their families need to check with their insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage, including any copayments or deductibles.
Does Location of Care Affect Cost?
Yes, the location where hospice care is provided can affect the overall cost. Cost may vary based on factors such as the type of care setting, geographical location, and the services required. The length of care may also impact cost. Hospice care provided in the patient’s own home is often considered one of the more cost-effective options. Meanwhile, inpatient hospice care may incur additional costs. Facilities may have overhead expenses, including staff salaries, medical equipment, and operational costs, which can contribute to the overall cost of care.
5 Most Expensive States for End-of-Life Medical Costs
End-of-life medical costs are influenced by factors, such as the cost of living in a particular state, regional healthcare trends, and the availability of hospice providers. Here are the five most expensive states for end-of-life medical costs.
Alaska
Alaska’s icy climate won’t be the only thing to send a shiver down your spine once you learn that it’s the most expensive state for end-of-life medical care. In fact, Forbes estimates that end-of-life medical care in Alaska amounts to $24,408.38. Can you say yikes?
Hawaii
Hawaii may be the polar opposite of Alaska, but they’re similar in at least one regard. They both boast some of the highest hospice care costs in the nation, with the average end-of-life care costs coming in at a whopping $19,292.07.
Massachusetts
Home of Salem and the Liberty Bell, this historic state makes our list of the most expensive states for hospice care. According to Forbes, average end-of-life care costs run around $18,347.02.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be small, but not when it comes to end-of-life care costs. End-of-life medical care in New Hampshire costs $19,650.54 on average.
Washington
Mount Rainier, Seattle…and some of the most expensive end-of-life medical care costs in the nation. Generally, end-of-life medical care costs around $19,520.19 in Washington.
5 Least Expensive States for End-of-Life Medical Costs
Now that we’ve got some bad news out of the way, here’s a little good news! Keep reading to find out the five LEAST expensive states for end-of-life medical care.
Mississippi
The Magnolia State tops our list as the least expensive state for end-of-life medical care costs, averaging around $11,825.
Arkansas
This rugged state is both beautiful and relatively expensive. At least, when it comes to end-of-life medical care costs! Average end-of-life medical care costs run around $11,934.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain…and the end-of-life medical care costs are lower than average. That’s right—Oklahoma comes third on our list, with end-of-life medical care costs coming in at around $11,948.
Missouri
The Show-Me State makes fourth place, with end-of-life medical care costs averaging $11,962.
New Mexico
Last but certainly not least is beautiful New Mexico. Residents of this state may be relieved to learn that the average end-of-life medical care costs come in just slightly behind Missouri, at $12,017 on average.
Looking for More?
Hospice care is designed to provide compassionate and supportive end-of-life care. Financial concerns should not be a barrier to accessing these services. Remember to explore all your options and contact local hospice providers for further information. If you’re still looking for more information on hospice, then check out these articles next:
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Originally published December 18, 2023
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