What Is Covered in Hospice Care?

When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, knowing what support is available can provide clarity and comfort. Hospice care is a specialized type of healthcare that prioritizes quality of life, dignity, and emotional support rather than curing illness. Whether care is provided at home or in a facility, families often ask the important question: What does hospice pay for?

The good news is that much of hospice care is fully covered through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. This means families can focus on making meaningful moments together, without the added burden of unexpected medical bills.

Services Typically Covered by Hospice

Hospice coverage includes a wide range of supportive services to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and family:

• Nursing care and regular home visits – Skilled nurses provide routine check-ins, monitor symptoms, administer medications, and offer guidance to caregivers.
• Pain and symptom management medication – Medications that ease discomfort, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms are included.
• Medical supplies – Items such as oxygen, catheters, and wound care supplies are delivered to your home as needed.
• Medical equipment – Hospice provides hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, and other durable medical equipment to improve comfort and mobility.
• Spiritual and emotional counseling – Chaplains, social workers, and grief counselors offer support to help patients and families navigate this time with peace and understanding.
• Bereavement support for family members – Counseling and support services are available for loved ones before and after the patient’s passing.
• 24/7 access to hospice staff – Hospice teams are on call around the clock to assist with urgent needs, answer questions, and provide reassurance.

Hospice care can be provided wherever you call home—whether that’s a private residence, assisted living facility, or nursing home.

Did you know? Medicare covers 100% of the costs for eligible hospice patients, making this vital care more accessible to families across the country.

What’s Not Typically Covered

While hospice offers comprehensive support, there are a few things that usually aren’t included:

• Curative treatments – Therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries intended to cure the illness are not covered once a patient enters hospice care.
• Room and board – Standard housing costs are not covered unless the patient is receiving care in a Medicare-certified inpatient hospice facility for respite or symptom management.

Hospice care is designed to ease the journey at life’s end, not to prolong it with aggressive interventions. By focusing on comfort and compassionate support, hospice ensures patients live their final days with dignity and peace.

For more detailed information, visit our Hospice Care Services page or speak with a member of our team to better understand your benefits and care options.