If I need hospice care in the future, can my Medicare plan cover it?

Question

Larry Dalton · Accepted Answer

Yes, under Original Medicare Part A, you are eligible for hospice benefits if a doctor certifies that you are terminal illness. These benefits cover your cost, even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, you will still need Medicare Part B and pay the monthly premiums. Depending on your Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage coverage, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

YES MEDICARE COVERS HOSPICE CARE. BOTH TRADITIONAL MEDICARE AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS COVER HOSPICE CARE, ITS PART OF THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. 
BE SURE THE HOSPICE COMPANY YOU USE , TAKES MEDICARE BEFORE YOU USE THEM

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Yes. Medicare PART A covers Hospice Care. In a few rare circumstance there could be a small charge. Possibly medication from a hospice pharmacy, or for the cost of in-patient respite care for a caregiver. However, these costs are rarely seen and are very low if even charged.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on August 12, 2025

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

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

If using a hospital for your hospice, it must be due to a terminal illness and a determination that your life span is less than 6 months. You are not expecting curative treatments, but comfort and ease through a life-ending transition.
Otherwise, for Home hospice treatment, it would cover things like pain management, through nursing and skilled care, medications, spiritual care, etc. Even Bereavement counseling. But once you step back to a Curative type treatment the hospice coverage stops, and standard medical fees and service rates would apply. There is no Long-Term Care, or any services non related to the hospice care that would be covered.

Terri Reagin · Answer

Hospice is covered by Medicare. It is important to note that long term care is not covered by any medicare plan, so I always advise families to have an appointment that addresses the entire picture including hospice

Answered by Terri Reagin on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Currently, Part A covers inpatient hospice at 100%.Part B covers in home Hospice equipment and nurse visits.

Charise Karjala · Answer

Hi, Charise Karjala, Health Markets Insurance Agency, in my office in Palm Desert, California. This question is one that is heartwarming for me because it's one part of Medicare that, when we really need it, it's there in spades. The question is, if I need hospice care in the future, can my Medicare plan cover it? And it's a resounding yes. All hospice care is covered by Medicare at 100%. End-of-life care is something that we all deserve—compassionate and stress-free care. I'm so proud to be part of a system that supports end-of-life care, compassionate care in a way that is kind and gentle, and really lets individual caregivers shine in their compassion and loving attention to people in their final stages. So, thank goodness, yes, we do have Medicare plans that cover it. Thank you for the question.

Christy Jones · Answer

Hospice is covered by Original Medicare. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, Original Medicare will take over when covering hospice benefits related to their terminal illness.

Tasha Riggs · Answer

So the Medicare question of the day is, will hospice be covered when I am on Medicare? Absolutely. I just went through this recently in the last couple weeks. Hospice is covered at 100%. You don't need to worry about anything. What I would say about hospice care though is not necessarily the insurance part of it since we do know it's covered at 100% with Medicare. And that's with Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage, it doesn't matter, it's covered at 100%.

What you really want to do is vet your hospice team. There are a lot of different hospice companies out there. Some people have a misconception of what hospice is. They think that someone's gonna come into the home and be there 24/7. That's not necessarily what hospice does. Hospice is there, they have a skilled nurse, they'll have a CNA, a pastor, a social worker. And then there are a lot of volunteers that will volunteer for story time, music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, but not all groups do that.

A lot of people with traditional Medicare or traditional hospice care, sorry, will just come in and give you comfort. Comfort meaning they're not sending you to the hospital anymore. You're not going there because they want you to pass at home or wherever you're at in comfort and peace. They're not doing life-saving events for you anymore or that person.

So for instance, if you've got a loved one who's diabetic, let's say, and now there's diabetes or infection in that because there are a lot of people that get amputated toes from neuropathy. And let's say now the infection's going up the toe and you're not losing until you may be losing a foot and you're in your 80s or 90s. Can you really withstand a huge surgery like that? So that would be your family's discretion. It's not that you can't go to the hospital, but it kicks you off hospice and then you gotta come back on.

But do you want to endure that kind of surgery if that's what it is? Yes, they'll give you every antibiotic to keep you going, but do you want to endure the surgery? So these are some really tough conversations that you need to have with your loved ones around you to know what they want. And if and when they do pass, do you want to be cremated? Do you want to be buried? These are uncomfortable conversations that we have to have with our loved ones, but it's really important. And when do you think, and you should talk to all your loved ones around you that you will be caring for when this happens, when is that time?

Melonie Wood · Answer

Regardless of what type of Medicare Plan you have/ Medicare Supplement/ Medicare Advantage/ Original Medicare,  all cover Hospice Care

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Yes, your Med Supp along with Original Medicare will cover your Hospice care. Medicare Adv plan will also cover, but ongoing approvals will be needed.

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers hospice. There are certain criteria to meet in order to be eligible for hospice.

Paul Potter · Answer

Yes.  The type of plan you have may have an impact, but generally, if you meet the qualifications for Hospice, Medicare covers most of those costs that meet Medicare requirements.

Robert Pennington · Answer

The Medicare hospice covers virtually all aspects of hospice care with little out-of-pocket
expense to the patient or family.  As a result, the financial burden often associated with caring for a seriously ill patient is lifted.  Families making end-of-life decisions for a loved one need compassion and support, not financial worries.  The Medicare Hospice Benefit helps alleviate these concerns.

Cheri Rogers · Answer

To answer your question - Yes, Medicare covers hospice. Do not confuse Hospitce with Home Health Care or Long Term Care. Medicare covers a Skilled Nursing Facility for the first 20 days, then days 21 forward do incur charges. Medicare does not cover Long Term Care.

Answered by Cheri Rogers on May 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in NM & TX

Answered by Cheri Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Kate Spilsbury · Answer

Yes, hospice care is covered under Original Medicare, even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. The hospice benefit includes things like pain management, medical equipment, and emotional and spiritual support for both you and your family. It’s designed to help you focus on comfort and quality of life when a cure is no longer the goal.

Answered by Kate Spilsbury on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 7 other states

Answered by Kate Spilsbury Medicare Insurance Agent

Amy Putrino · Answer

Original Medicare will cover hospice expenses, not your Medicare Advantage plan.  An Advantage Plan may cover any expenses not billed through or related to hospice care.

Sandra (Sandy) Steffy · Answer

Medicare Part A pays for a wide range of hospice services, including:
• 	Nursing care and physician services, Pain relief and symptom‑management medications
• 	Medical equipment (hospital bed, oxygen, etc.), Medical supplies (dressings, catheters, etc.)
• 	Hospice aides & homemaker services, Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• 	Social work services, Spiritual and grief counseling for you and your family
• 	Short‑term inpatient care for pain/symptom management, Inpatient respite care (Medicare covers 95% of the cost)

Donna Berube · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you’re still eligible for hospice.
Once you elect hospice care, coverage shifts to Original Medicare (Part A) even if you stay enrolled in your Advantage plan.

This is often called the “hospice carve-out.”

Dino Pappadis · Answer

When you have Medicare Advantage (MA), Original Medicare (Part A) officially covers your hospice care, even if you stay in your Medicre Advantage plan. Hospice care focuses on comfort (palliative) rather than cures for a terminal illness with a 6-month life expectancy. Medicare covers 100% of most hospice costs, including medications, nursing, equipment, and counseling, with no deductibles and very low copays.

Answered by Dino Pappadis on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Dino Pappadis Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael White · Answer

Yes, Medicare can cover Hospice care so long as your Dr shows that it would be medically necessary and that you have a terminal diagnosis.

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

Hospice is covered under original Medicare part A, even if you are on an Advantage plan. Hospice, however, does not have the $1,676 deductible that part A does. 

To qualify for hospice, your physician must certify that you're terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less; you agree to accept comfort care instead of treatment; you sign a statement hospice instead of treatment.

In order for Medicare to cover hospice care, you must choose a Medicare approved provider. You may remain on hospice indefinitely, as long as your physician continues to certify that you have a terminal illness with the above-mentioned life expectancy.

Jon Kelderman · Answer

Yes Medicare covers hospice care, but does not cover the custodial care where hospice takes place. Doctor and nursing services, Medications for pain relief and symptom control (not curative treatment), Medical equipment and supplies (like wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen), Hospice aide and homemaker services, Social services, counseling, and spiritual support, Short-term inpatient care for pain/symptom management and Respite care (up to 5 days each time to give caregivers a break).

Answered by Jon Kelderman on September 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AZ & TX

Answered by Jon Kelderman Medicare Insurance Agent

Evan Hountz · Answer

Hospice is defined as end-of-life care for people with illnesses that cannot be cured. Medicare Part A covers hospice. You and your family will work with a hospice care team to set up a plan of care.

Donna Walbert · Answer

Yes, hospice care is covered under Part A of Medicare. Hospice care can be provided as an in-home service, hospital setting, or a medicare approved residential facility or nursing home. The hospice care benefit requires the approval of a medical professional and generally is provided within a six month window before the person's end of life is anticipated.

Answered by Donna Walbert on August 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in WI, CO, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Donna Walbert Medicare Insurance Agent

Alma Preciado · Answer

Yes Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover what Medicare covers, Therefore, Hospice is a covered benefit with Original Medicare and all Medicare Advantage Plans.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Yes! Part A covers up to 6 months of hospice care. You have the right to make your home to be your hospice OR an outside facility who specializes in this benefit. Most folks will choose the latter due to the equipment they have.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Hospice benefits are covered under Medicare Part A for terminally ill individuals.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Hospice coverage, categorized as an inpatient service,  falls under Medicare Part A at a $0 cost, regardless any additional plan (Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement) that you may have.

Michael Pyers · Answer

It is covered by part A Medicare.   Patients must have life expectancy of 6 months or less.  It is for palliative care only. Not for clinical care to cure.

Thomas Magnus, RHU · Answer

Hospice care is usually covered by your Part A of Original Medicare(your red, white and blue Medicare card).                                                                                                                                            
You qualify for hospice care if you meet all these conditions:

Your hospice doctor and your regular doctor (if you have one) certify that you’re terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less).
You accept comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your illness.
You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.

Anna Davis CIC-RSSA · Answer

Yes, if you need hospice care in the future, Medicare will cover it, including if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Under federal law, hospice services are always covered by Original Medicare (Part A), even if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan. This means that when you elect the Medicare hospice benefit, your hospice care—including pain management, symptom control, nursing, and support services—will be coordinated through Medicare Part A, not your Medicare Advantage plan. However, your MAPD plan will still continue to cover services unrelated to your terminal condition, such as dental, vision, or other supplemental benefits. It's important to ensure your providers are Medicare-certified for hospice care. Hopefully you will never need it, but if you do, it is there through part A

Answered by Anna Davis CIC-RSSA on August 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Anna Davis CIC-RSSA Medicare Insurance Agent

Erlynne (Elle) Massie · Answer

Yes, hospice is covered under Medicare Part A. A couple of things to note:

Care must be received by a Medicare approved facility.

There must be a diagnosis of a terminal illness in which life expectancy is less than 6 months.

Palliative care and other holistic services are covered within that Part A scope.

Services and treatments other than those to treat the terminal illness will still be covered under the other Medicare part A & B services.

Planning for long term care and end of life expenses begins long before the need arises. Consult with a knowledgeable advisor to make certain you’re preparing for the logistics, the costs & protecting your assets and legacy.

Hugo Luis Mion · Answer

Hospice care is covered by Medicare plan A. Original Medicare takes care of hospice-related coverage.

Michael Crocker · Answer

Yes. Hospice care coverage is unique in that original Medicare covers hospice care, even when you are on a Medicare Advantage plan. The specific rules for hospice care coverage are located at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care. This link covers when you are eligible for hospice care, for how long, etc.

Answered by Michael Crocker on April 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC

Answered by Michael Crocker Medicare Insurance Agent

Kathie Rossow · Answer

You are eligible for the hospice benefit when your doctor & the hospice medical director have given you a terminal prognosis certifying that you are terminally ill & have 6 months or less to live, if your illness runs its normal course.
Original Medicare will pay your Part A or B hospice services that are related to your terminal prognosis.

Bill Horton · Answer

Yes, it will. Whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan, you are covered for hospice care.

George Nikias · Answer

It's covered under some advantage plans. Call me and we can discuss

Thank you,
George Nikias
Contact me.

Eric Suhadolc · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover Hospice. Your hospice benefit should cover everything you need. You and your family will work with your hospice care team to set up your plan of care.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare (.gov) covers hospice care for those who are terminally ill and meet specific eligibility requirements. Both Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover hospice care. If you have Medicare Part A, are certified by your doctor as terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less, and choose hospice care over curative treatment, Medicare will cover the costs associated with your hospice care. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for Medicare hospice benefits, you must have Medicare Part A, be certified as terminally ill by your doctor with a prognosis of six months or less to live, and choose hospice care instead of curative treatment. 
Coverage:
Once you're eligible, Medicare will cover the costs associated with hospice care, which includes a wide range of services like medical care, skilled nursing, personal care, counseling, social services, and respite care. 
Medicare Advantage:
Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will still cover hospice care if you meet the eligibility requirements. 
Cost:
There is no deductible for hospice care under Medicare, and you will not need to pay a co-payment for the services you receive. You will, however, need to continue to pay your monthly Medicare Part A and Part B premiums.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for hospice care through Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). To qualify, you must meet the criterias.

Mary Brown · Answer

Yes. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, no matter what type of Medicare plan you have.
If you have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) hospice is covered under Part A when your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you’re terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, hospice care is still covered by Original Medicare, not by your Advantage plan. You’ll continue to get your hospice services through Medicare Part A, and your plan will still cover other non-hospice benefits (like dental, vision, or prescription drugs, depending on your plan).

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Hospice if provided by Medicare Part A. Both Original Medicare and all Advantage plans will provide hospice.

Carol Thompson · Answer

When and if you are placed in hospice care - you could be placed back on original Medicare versus being on Medicare supplement  or Medicare Advantage.

Mike Henry · Answer

Yes it’s covers in Part A. Dr recommended and Medicare approved   Usually doesn’t take long for approval

Michael Kim · Answer

If you chose a Medicare Advantage Plan. Just having Medicare alone would not be enough to cover your medications, so having a plan like a Medicare Advantage Plan would give peace of mind.

Mark Murphy · Answer

Hospice services are covered under Medicare Part A.  If you should need those services, it would happen automatically.

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

Yes, whether you have traditional Medicare with a supplement or Medicare Advantage, hospice will be covered.

Blaine Shipe · Answer

Yes and no . Hospice is covered by Medicare but insurance can continue to contribute to costs incurred.

Claudia Englert · Answer

Yes.  Medicare covers hospice care for no co-pay nor co-insurance.  It doesn't matter if they have Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare
Advantage Plan.

Larry Pereiro · Answer

Yes it can. Medicare advantage plans have hospice available, some also provide coverage for Home Health Care and Home Care.

Jerry Cohen · Answer

Generally Medicare will cover hospice care 100 per cent. In order for expenses to be covered you need to use a facility that participates with Medicare.

Ray Rios · Answer

Possibly, every plan is different. Talk to your agent. If you don't have one reach out to me. Ray

Tosha Morell · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, if you ever need hospice care in the future, Medicare does cover it. Hospice is a Part A benefit, and as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, Medicare pays for almost all hospice services with very little out of pocket cost.

Answered by Tosha Morell on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA & FL

Answered by Tosha Morell Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Matar · Answer

Medicare part A covers hospice care. This is true if you have original Medicare or a Medicare advantage plan. Your physician must certify that you are terminally ill with 6 months or less of life expectancy

Answered by Daniel Matar on May 25, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA, FL, NC & OH

Answered by Daniel Matar Medicare Insurance Agent

Wayne Hartzler · Answer

Medicare pays 100% of Hospice care. Your plan may still cover any non-hospice expenses. If you have an Advantage plan, it will still cover dental, vision, and other benefits the plan may offer.

Otumdi Omekara · Answer

Yes — and this is really important to understand.

Hospice care is always covered under Original Medicare (Part A), no matter what type of Medicare plan you have.

Even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), hospice benefits “carve out” to Original Medicare. That means:

Part A covers hospice directly (not the Medicare Advantage plan).

You can still stay in your Medicare Advantage plan for non-hospice care (like regular doctor visits or prescriptions), but hospice services are billed through Original Medicare.

Hospice includes things like pain management, counseling, medical equipment, and respite care for family caregivers.

Tip: Sometimes people assume their Advantage plan “handles everything,” but hospice is an exception. If that time comes, make sure your providers know you’re electing hospice under Original Medicare so claims go through correctly.

Adam Richter · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part A covers hospice care for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, focusing on comfort rather than a cure. It covers care in your home, nursing home, or hospice facility, including drugs, nursing, and counseling. It is 100% covered, with minimal costs for medications or respite care

Answered by Adam Richter on March 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in MD, AK, AL & 16 other states

Answered by Adam Richter Medicare Insurance Agent

John Ward · Answer

Medicare Part A covers hospice care under specific conditions. A doctor must certify that the patient has an illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, and the patient must elect hospice care instead of curative treatments for that illness. Medicare covers four levels of hospice care: routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care.

Answered by John Ward on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, GA, LA, NM & OK

Answered by John Ward Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Fisher · Answer

Yes, hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare doesn't pay for room & board in a facility, such as a hospital or hospice facility so it makes sense to an Advantage plan, a Supplement and/or a hospital indemnity plan.

Answered by Edward Fisher on June 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in MI & FL

Answered by Edward Fisher Medicare Insurance Agent

Bernice Cherry · Answer

Yes.Please visit https://www.medicare .gov/coverage/hospice-care for further information on eligibility, costs, etc.

If I need hospice care in the future, can my Medicare plan cover it?

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