Understand the Facts About
Paying for Hospice

The good news: most of the government (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA) and private health insurance plans cover hospice care. As one of the area’s only not-for-profit hospice providers, McLeod Hospice admits patients based on need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Time for Hospice? Myths & Misconceptions FAQ

  • Many Private Insurance Plans Pay for Hospice Care

    • Affordable Care Act. Hospice and palliative care benefits must be covered by all insurance plans offered in the United States. However, each state decides how to meet this requirement and how, or if, hospice services will be a covered service.
    • Employer-Provided Insurance. Most of these plans offer a hospice benefit similar to Medicare with some variations among employers. Check with the patient’s employer.

  • These Government Plans Cover McLeod Hospice

    • Medicare. Part A of the federal Medicare program provides hospice coverage. The hospice benefit starts with 2 periods of 90-days each, then an unlimited number of 60-day periods. All Medicare recipients are eligible for Hospice benefits.
    • Medicaid. Nearly all states offer Medicaid coverage of hospice benefits that parallel the Medicare benefit.
    • Tricare. Military personnel and retirees at Medicare-certified hospices have a fully covered hospice benefit.

  • Hospice Payment Options Exist For Those Without Health Coverage

    • Personal Pay. If there’s no insurance coverage or if the coverage is insufficient, the patient and their family can discuss a plan to pay out-of-pocket costs.
    • Charity Care. McLeod Hospice will accept any hospice patient, regardless of their ability to pay.