How Much Does Hospice Cost?
When faced with a life-limiting illness, hospice care can provide comfort and support for both the patient and their family. But one of the first questions many people have is, "How much does hospice care cost?" Take a look at the various factors that can affect the cost of hospice so that you can make an informed decision.
How much does hospice care cost?
The cost of hospice care can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of services needed, the setting in which care is provided, and whether the patient has Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. In general, however, hospice care is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. It's estimated that hospice care is, on average, around $150 for routine home care per day and up to $500 for general inpatient care per day. These are estimates and assume you’re using private insurance or Medicare and will vary, so you'll need to check with your insurance company for more detailed information. If the patient is uninsured, you’ll need to start contacting non-profit hospice organizations and getting in touch with their financial assistance team. Most non-profit hospices will cover the cost of care or will offer a reduced rate or sliding scale to those who aren’t able to afford hospice.
How much does hospice cost per day?
The majority of individuals do not pay anything for hospice care out of pocket. Hospice room and board rates will vary, so it can help you estimate costs by going over what Medicare pays for hospice care. Here's what Medicare will pay for different levels of hospice care:
- Level 1: Routine Home Care (Days 1-60) - $199.25 / day
- Level 1: Routine Home Care (Days 61+) - $157.49 / day
- Level 2: Continuous Home Care - $1,432.41 / day
- Level 3: Inpatient Respite Care - $461.09 / day
- Level 4: General Inpatient Care - $1,045.66 / day
These are the costs that Medicare pays and covers, these are not the costs incurred by individuals. In general, hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
How does hospice get paid?
Hospice care costs are most often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. If the patient does not have any form of insurance, there are non-profit hospice organizations that can offer care for either a reduced rate or no cost at all to the patient.
Does Medicare pay for hospice in a skilled nursing facility?
Medicare pays for hospice care in two ways:
- Medicare Part A generally covers inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care, hospice care, and home health care.
- Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary services, mental health, clinical research, ambulance services, durable medical equipment (DME) and some outpatient prescription drugs.
Who pays for hospice care in a nursing home?
Typically, hospice care in a nursing home is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or by private insurance. If you're wondering "Who pays for hospice care at home?", the same rules apply. Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurances usually pay for hospice care that's provided in-home.
Does Medicare cover hospice care?
Medicare covers the majority of hospice care costs and offers generous hospice care benefits to those in need. If the patient is covered under Medicare, they pay nothing for hospice care. Outpatient drugs can come with a copayment of up to $5 for every prescription.
Looking for a hospice? Browse Ever Loved's database of hospices near you to find the perfect fit. You can easily read reviews, ask questions, and get in touch with the hospice facility for additional information -- all in one place.
