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?

Question

Mark Bilgere · Accepted Answer

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.

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

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.

Michael Andrews · Answer

So the question is, if I already have Part A and I'm already terminal on hospice care, do I need to get on Part B and go through the Medicare Advantage plan or supplement enrollment process?

Short answer is no. If you are in hospice, Part A will cover all of your hospice related needs. However, if you have another ailment or health condition that is not related to your terminal condition, you would need Part B, as that will pay towards your doctor's visits and anything that's outpatient.

So the shorter answer is you don't need Part B in order to receive hospice care. You don't need an Advantage plan. You don't really even need a supplement for the hospice portion.

But however, people who are in hospice can have a relatively longer life as well. Hospice, sometimes people can get off of hospice. So if you miss your Part B enrollment window and you happen to no longer need hospice, then you have to wait until open enrollment between January and March to get onto Part B.

So we always recommend that you do get A and Part B at the bare minimum. And then as far as the Advantage plans, supplements, prescription drug plans, those are all tailored to your specific situation, needs, and preferences, and your zip code.

Hopefully this helps.

Deborah Kemp · Answer

Yes. Part B can help cover cost of out patient care, home health and any medical equipment. Yes you need to go through enrollment especially for drug coverage.

Kristin Ingram · Answer

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and have elected hospice, you generally do not need Part B in order to receive Medicare hospice benefits. Medicare's hospice benefit is covered under Part A, and eligibility for hospice requires Part A, not Part B.

You cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without being enrolled in both Part A and Part B. Original Medicare is defined as Part A plus Part B, and Medicare Advantage requires Part B enrollment.

Likewise, Medigap policies are designed to supplement Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Without Part B, Medigap options are generally not available in the usual way.

If your primary concern is continuing hospice care that is already in place, Part A alone is sufficient for the hospice benefit itself.

Grant Hamilton · Answer

Medicare Part A covers 100% hospice related services.  Some of these services include nursing care, medical equipment (such as oxygen, hospital beds and wheelchairs), hospice aide services, counseling, and respite care.  

The only exceptions that are not covered by Medicare are co-pays for prescription medication dealing with pain management.  These co-pays are limited to a $5 charge.  If respite care is used, there is a 5% co-insurance.

Respite care is where relief is provided for primary caregivers.  This allows a break for caregivers while making sure their person is still safe.  Respite care is covered up to 5 days at a time.

Whether or not you should get on Part B depends on your prognosis from your doctor.  Hospice care is designed to support individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less if their illness follows its natural course.  Hospice can be extended as long as the patien continues to meet eligibility standards.  Recently, former President Carter was in hospice for 22 months before he passed away in December 2024.

Overall statics show the median length of hospice care in the US is 18 days.  50% of patients pass away in the first three weeks.   Up to 15% of patients survive longer than 6 months.  With  those statistics in mind, I would suggest to someone that they go through the Part B process only if they have a complete understanding of their remaining life expectancy from their doctor.  

Some people will stay enrolled in Part B and Advantage or Supplement Plans if they need medical care or prescriptions unrelated to the hospice diagnosis.  Obviously you want to have coverage if you have needs for non-medical care or prescriptions.  Conversely, I suspect someone on hospice is not going to have a need to see an orthopedic surgeon.  My best advice is use common sense based on your current condition.

Tory Blain · Answer

If someone already has Medicare Part A and is receiving hospice care, hospice is generally covered under Medicare Part A, so they usually do not need to enroll in Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare Supplement just for hospice coverage. However, Part B, MAPD, or Medigap may still matter for medical care that is unrelated to the terminal illness, so the person should review their situation with Medicare, the hospice provider, or a licensed agent before making a decision.

Answered by Tory Blain on June 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, CO, ID, NV & WA

Answered by Tory Blain Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Pollock · Answer

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.

Answered by Bill Pollock on June 15, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Bill Pollock Medicare Insurance Agent

Chantel Rosario · Answer

If someone is already enrolled in Medicare Part A and is receiving hospice care, Medicare Part A covers hospice services. You are not required to enroll in Part B in order to receive hospice benefits.

Colby Tapp · Answer

Yes part A is to pay for the facilities not treatment. Part B is for medical services performed by Drs.

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?

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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?

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