Medicare Benefit

The Hospice Medicare Benefit is the single source for healthcare services related to terminal illnesses, for those who are eligible for Medicare. Hospice care is provided in many settings; including, in the patient's home, as well as, a nursing home, or assisted living facility.

The Hospice Medicare Benefit uses a professional team to provide pain and symptom control, as well as support services to terminally ill patients and families. Inpatient respite services are covered when needed on a short-term basis.

Medicare covers these Hospice services:

• Physician-directed medical care
• Skilled nursing care
• Home Health Aides/LPNs for personal care
• Spiritual counseling
• Social services
• Bereavement support to the family
• Volunteer support system
• Short-term respite care to provide caregiver relief
• Medications related to the terminal illness
• Equipment and medical supplies
• Counseling
• Short-term inpatient care for symptom management not controlled in the home setting
• Continuous nursing care at home for short periods of crisis
• Physical, speech, occupational, respiratory therapy and nutrition counseling

Services not related to the illness continue to be covered by Medicare in the usual way.