Author: Andrea Miller
Reviewed By: Gene Altaffer

Hospice funding extends to assisted living if you have Medicare, which covers adults aged 65 and older. These insurance programs pay for the cost of hospice at your home, including hospice care at assisted living facilities. Many private health insurance plans also cover hospice care in assisted living.

Who qualifies for Medicare hospice funding?

You or a loved one qualify for hospice funding if you have Medicare Part A and your physician and a hospice physician agree that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. You must also sign a statement agreeing that you want to receive comfort care for your illness instead of treatment.

What does Medicare cover for hospice in assisted living?

Medicare Part A covers the entire cost of hospice services in assisted living. However, you’ll be responsible for a $5 copayment for each drug you take for symptom and pain management and for the cost of prescriptions that Medicare Part A and Part D don’t cover. You also remain responsible for your assisted living community’s monthly rent and fees.

Hospice providers offer comfort and peace to the person with a terminal illness and their family members. You’ll receive a personalized care plan based on your needs, which includes a combination of services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, advance care planning, pain relief and emotional and spiritual support. The hospice team often includes home health aides, dietitians, spiritual leaders, therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses and a medical director or physician, as well as volunteers.