If I'm on a Medicare Advantage plan, does it cover hospice care or does Original Medicare pay for that?
Answered by 4 licensed agents
You can still use your Advantage plan for extra benefits it already includes, like dental, vision, hearing, or an OTC card, if the plan continues those benefits while you are in hospice. Your Advantage plan can also help with medical problems that are not part of the illness that put you on hospice. Drugs for pain and comfort related to hospice usually come through the hospice program. Other prescriptions that are not related to that illness can still go through your plan’s drug coverage.
To qualify, you need Part A, and a doctor plus the hospice doctor must agree that you likely have six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course. You also have to choose comfort care instead of treatment meant to cure that illness. From a Medicare-approved hospice, the hospice care itself has no copay. You may pay up to $5 for certain outpatient comfort medications and 5% for a short inpatient stay that gives your caregiver a rest. Nursing-home room and board is usually not included unless it is a covered hospice inpatient or respite stay.
Answered by James Hale on September 3, 2026
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, LA & MO, OH, OK & TX
Basically, If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and later/need elect hospice, Original Medicare generally becomes responsible for your hospice care related to your "terminal illness." You can still remain enrolled in your Medicare Advantage plan, and the plan may continue covering things such as supplemental benefits and certain healthcare services unrelated to the terminal illness.
So you don't necessarily lose your Medicare Advantage plan when you enter hospice. It's really a matter of understanding which part of Medicare is responsible for which services.
It's a good example of why I tell people that even when you choose Medicare Advantage, it's still important to understand overall how Original Medicare works. And also why I stay in-touch with my clients in case their health care needs suddenly change.
Answered by Brett Johnson on September 3, 2026
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, GA & NV
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on September 3, 2026
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN
Answered by Michael Wehner on September 2, 2026
Agent Licensed in IN, KY, NC, OH, PA & SC
Tags: Coverage Medicare Advantage Medicare Part A
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