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

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

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/if-i-need-hospice-care-in-the-future-can-my-medicare-plan-cover-it#charise-karjala

Tasha Riggs · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/if-i-need-hospice-care-in-the-future-can-my-medicare-plan-cover-it#tasha-riggs

Melonie Wood · Answer

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Mike Henry · Answer

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

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.

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.

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

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

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

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

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