If I already have part A and am already terminal on hospice care, do I need to get on part B and go through the MAPD/MedSup enrollment process?

Answered by 3 licensed agents

Since you are terminally ill and already on hospice with only Part A, the practical question is: Are you going to receive medical care unrelated to the hospice service? This would include physician services and outpatient care not related to the terminal illness. Part B would be valuable for those situations.

One warning. If you delayed part B you may not have a Special Enrollment Period meaning you would have to wait to enroll.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on June 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent
Not necessarily. If you are already receiving hospice care under Medicare Part A, Part A covers the hospice services related to your terminal illness. You are not required to enroll in Part B simply because you are on hospice.

However, Part B covers things hospice does not, such as treatment for conditions unrelated to the terminal diagnosis, doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment outside of hospice. If you decline Part B and later want it, you could face a late enrollment penalty unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

A Medicare Advantage plan is generally not necessary if hospice is your primary need, and many people in this situation stay with Original Medicare. Whether a Medigap plan makes sense depends on whether you expect to need non-hospice medical services and want help with Medicare cost-sharing.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on June 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes part A is to pay for the facilities not treatment. Part B is for medical services performed by Drs.

Answered by Colby Tapp on June 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Colby Tapp Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Advice for Seniors Medicare Part A Medicare Part B Medicare Supplement The Medicare System

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