Paying for Hospice Care (Know the Facts)

Do you know the facts about paying for hospice care? Above & Beyond Hospice is a fully  certified hospice care provider and we want you to understand not only what is available to you and your family when it comes to hospice care; but understand the ins and outs of the financial aspects also.

Facts About Paying for Hospice Care

The Above & Beyond Hospice Care team will help you with forms and applications to address the financial end. Remember that everything depends on the type of illness you are dealing with, the insurances you may or may not have, and more.

Hospice & Medicare

• Hospice & Medicare – This explanation of how hospice works within the Medicare system will be very helpful. It also provides contact information and phone numbers to provide answers to any questions you may have.
• Medicare Information – This free PDF version of The Medicare Hospice Payment System will help explain not only what is covered but what is needed in order to receive Medicare Payment. Remember that your hospice provider must be Medicare approved. Note that this eBook is written to help the hospice care provider as well as the hospice recipient so there may be some areas that are more information than you really need and could be confusing.
• Medicare Caps – While there are “caps” put on Medicare hospice payments it is rare that a patient and/or the patient’s family is strapped with huge hospice bills. There are a number of alternative methods of payment that can be used; from secondary insurance to programs such as our own Hospice Foundation.
• What Medicare Covers – As part of hospice care, Medicare Part A covers pain management and services directly covered for care and comfort of the illness directly associated with hospice. Your regular Medicare will continue to cover any other illnesses and health issues just as it does in a normal healthcare situation. See the video below for a more complete explanation.

When Medicare Isn’t Enough to Pay for Hospice Care

There are cases where Medicare is not involved. Our office is here for you; to guide you with other ways to cover hospice care costs.

• If You’re Without Insurance – We understand that there are cases when patients have no insurance. Our financial specialist will guide you with state and federal funding services, along with other types of charity care.
• State Help with Hospice Care Costs – Medicaid is state funded and offers help with medical costs for those who qualify. Again, hospice agencies will have at least one financial specialist that may be able to help you with paperwork to see if you qualify for state insurance that will help you cover both regular medical care during hospice and hospice related care. Basically, Medicaid insurance benefits are similar to Medicare benefits and if you qualify paying for hospice care should not be an issue.
• You Cannot Be Denied Hospice Care – According to Medicare standards and law no patient can be denied hospice care due to inability to pay. This is where our team will work diligently to find resources available so that you are not burdened with the worry of how to pay for hospice care.

Methods of Paying For Hospice Care

Hospice care costs can be covered by one or more of the following:

1. Private Insurance
2. Medicare
3. Medicaid
4. Secondary Insurance
5. Gifts
6. Grants
7. Community Resources (grants, gifts, donations, foundations)
8. Veteran’s/Military Benefits (Tricare)
9. Private Pay

The end result is that hospice care is a right you have as a human being. Above and Beyond Hospice Foundation helps make sure that our hospice care patients not only receive the best possible care we can provide; but that you and your family aren’t burdened with the worry of paying for hospice care.

Photo by Ž. Markevičius