After the 60 days has passed, patients are charged a fixed amount per day. After 90 days of hospitalization per illness, Medicare coverage ends. Medicare will pay for two sequential 90 day periods of hospice care, and an additional 30 day period if needed. Hospice benefits cover all physician and nursing care, bu there is a slight charge for prescriptions. Hospice benefits include home health aide services, social workers and psychiatric care and counseling.
Most hospice care is provided on an out patient basis.
Medicare also does not cover any service for which it is the secondary payer, i.e. if the service has been covered by workmen's compensation or payment will be obtained through the insurance of another party. If Medicare denies any form of payment, a claimant has 60 days after receiving an unfavorable determination to request reconsideration. If you have further questions regarding Maryland Elder Law, please visit our Maryland Lawyer Directory to find an attorney near you.