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Understanding the Cost of Hospice and Palliative Care

Many people have questions about how they will cover the cost of hospice and palliative care. We are a private non-profit organization. Thanks to our local community’s generous support, we can provide care to any eligible patient regardless of their ability to pay. We bill Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits,  and private insurance.

Hospice is a generous Medicare benefit you have earned!

Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and most private insurance policies cover hospice and Palliative Care costs. These benefits offer patients and their families personalized end-of-life care without overwhelming financial burdens.

Difference between Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice Services

Provides care to patients with a life-limiting illness. Care is patient-centered and focused on promoting quality end-of-life.

Palliative Care

Provides care to patients with life-threatening, severe, advanced illness or decline. Care is particularly focused on patient and family-directed goals of easing suffering and promoting quality of life.

Admissions Criteria

  • Life-limiting illness of six months or less
  • Physician who is willing to work with the hospice team

Admission Criteria

  • Serious illness and uncontrolled symptoms
  • Seeking curative treatment
  • Physician willing to work with the palliative care team

Settings

Hospice can visit patients at home, in a long-term care facility or in the hospital.

Settings

Palliative can see patients at home, in a long-term care facility or in the hospital.

Services Provided

  • 24-hour On-Call Staff
  • Pain/Symptom Management
  • Grief Support & Bereavement
  • Registered Nurse
  • Volunteers
  • Counseling Service
  • Chaplain Services
  • Physician/Nurse Practitioner services
  • Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Patient/Family Education

Services Provided

  • Consultation
  • Patient/Family Education
  • Physician/NP services
  • Interdisciplinary Team
  • Social Worker and/or Chaplain, as Needed

Payment

  • Medicare/Medicaid
  • Most Private Insurances
  • Services Provided, Regardless of Ability to Pay

Payment

  • Medicare/Medicaid
  • Services, Regardless of Ability to Pay
  • Most Private Insurance

Additional Services & Benefits Available

  • Medical Equipment
  • Related Prescription Medications
  • Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can someone receive hospice Medicare benefits?

The hospice benefit includes two 90-day benefit periods followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods. Hospice patients receive care as long as the doctor and the hospice medical director certify that the patient is terminally ill.

Are room and board costs at a nursing home or other facility a covered Medicare hospice benefit?

Medicare does not pay anything toward room and board expenses. The exception is short-term inpatient or respite care.

What happens if a patient is eligible for Medicare and covered by workplace insurance or a spouse's workplace policy?

The workplace or private insurance is the primary coverage, and Medicare serves as secondary coverage.