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Home > Paying for Care > Care Type > Paying for Hospice Care

Paying for Hospice Care

Home hospice care is generally less expensive than inpatient care at a hospital or facility because the care is tailored to address your parent or loved one’s specific needs. Volunteers provide many of the non-medical services, which further cuts costs.

Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans provide hospice coverage, but certain conditions must be met in order to qualify:

  • Your loved one is eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance).
  • The attending physician and the hospice medical director certify that your loved one has a terminal illness and death may be expected in six months or less.
  • Your loved one signs a statement choosing hospice care instead of curative Medicare covered benefits.
  • Your loved one signs up with a Medicare-approved hospice program. Most hospices receive funding from charitable foundations, which helps cover expenses for those who have limited funds and can’t afford the co-pay, or who aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.