Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Whenever the subject of hospice comes up for families, it may seem uncomfortable to ask the question that may also be on one’s mind—
“Well, who is going to pay for this?”
How Hospice is Covered in the United States
As your family begins researching what is covered in end-of-life care for a loved one, the cost of care does not need to be a further worry. For this reason, it will likely be reassuring to discover that, in the United States, most hospice care is completely covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Administration plans, or most major insurance plans.
How Can Insurance Afford This Expense?
It may seem peculiar that most forms of insurance cover hospice care. The reason for this is because, in comparison to the cost of repeated lengthy hospitalizations, hospice is relatively inexpensive to administer. This lower cost makes covering such care easier for most insurance companies.
How Much of Hospice is Typically Covered?
Due to the lowered cost of administration in comparison to many forms of healthcare, most insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid will cover most all end-of-life care. These items include the cost of medication and other related expenses.
What About Uninsured Hospice Patients?
There are occasions when, for one reason or another, a patient cannot afford major insurance coverage and does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. When this is the case, a financial advisor working on behalf of a hospice organization or a non-profit organization can assist patients and their families in securing funding.
Additional Questions?
No two scenarios are identical, and prices may vary depending on a variety of situations. For this reason, if your family has any questions about paying for hospice care, you’re encouraged to reach out to hospice care professionals in your area.