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How Much Does In-Home Hospice Care Cost?
Date Updated: December 8, 2024
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Sarah has produced thousands of articles in diverse niches over her decade-long career as a full-time freelance writer. This includes substantial content in the fields of senior care and health care. She has experience writing about wide-ranging topics, such as types of care, care costs, funding options, state Medicaid programs and senior resources.
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Gene Altaffer has a Masters in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and has worked in many avenues along the continuum of long-term care, assisting thousands of clients and their families since 1995. He also sold long-term care insurance from numerous carriers while also assisting families with retirement planning. Gene helps seniors navigate their Medicare plans, ensuring they understand their benefits and options.
In-home hospice care costs about $10,000 or more monthly per industry reports. However, precise sums vary depending on the services and number of hours required, care setting and location. Despite the high price tag, many hospice patients receive financial assistance that pays for end-of-life care.
Medicare for Hospice Care
The latest figures from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization show that more than 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice benefits. The federal health insurance program covers most seniors aged 65 and older, with Part A providing hospice coverage for qualifying individuals. Criteria include a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. Additionally, individuals must stop curative treatments and receive care from a Medicare-certified provider.
The benefit usually covers all costs associated with hospice care, including:
- Skilled nursing
- Physical, speech and occupational therapy
- Pain medications
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medical social services
- Pastoral care
- Grief counseling for loved ones
Medicaid for Hospice Care
Hospice care isn’t a mandatory benefit under Medicaid, but many states include such coverage for qualifying individuals. A doctor must certify that a senior has a terminal condition and document the necessity of hospice care. Medicaid's hospice services remain similar to those covered by Medicare with the addition of home health aide coverage. Medicaid pays a daily rate for hospice, starting from almost $219 per day for the first 60 days of routine home care.
Other Hospice Care Funding
Many insurance plans include hospice coverage. Those with long-term care insurance should check their policy wording and discuss their needs with their insurer. Some life insurance policies allow an early payment, which seniors can use to cover their care costs. VA benefits usually pay for end-of-life care at home for eligible veterans. Generally, individuals should expect to live no longer than six months to qualify. Individuals without insurance or hospice benefit eligibility may qualify for significantly reduced rates through not-for-profit agencies.