The current Medicare program offers a hospice benefit to individuals age 65 and older or disabled adults. This section should serve as a guide with the understanding that Medicare regulations and criteria will be changing. If you have specific questions regarding any aspect of a patient's Medicare hospice eligibility and coverage, call your local home health and hospice provider. Hospice emphasizes palliative care and provides critical support that patients and families need to effectively manage and cope with issues surrounding a life-threatening illness. Services are provided for the patient and the patient's family.
Services involve physical, clinical, social, emotional, and spiritual support.
Home and inpatient care may be covered. Nursing home patients can receive hospice care from a Medicare certified hospice agency. Bereavement support for the patient's family can continue for up to one year after the patient's death. Patients must be receiving only palliative treatment for their terminal illness. The patient chooses to receive care under the hospice benefit instead of standard Medicare benefits.