Hospice is accessible to most seniors in the end stages of life, and it typically costs little or nothing to patients and their families. Health insurance programs generally cover the costs of hospice care at home, which may top $1,500 a day. Seniors who wish to receive end-of-life care in the comfort of their own home may choose hospice care at home for its convenience. With the help of a designated care team, they can receive assistance in a comfortable, familiar setting. Learn more about how much hospice costs, who covers treatment, and what your family may pay out of pocket.
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According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which sets benchmarks for hospice care costs based on the payments they make to providers, here’s what two types of in-home hospice care will cost in 2024’s fiscal year:[01]
Routine home hospice care (non-continuous care): $218.61 per day for the first 60 days, and $172.57 for each additional day
Continuous home hospice care (24/7 care): $65.25 per hour, for a total of $1,566.07 over a 24-hour period
These costs generally cover all medications, medical equipment, and pain management needs, as well as many medical supplies, grief counseling, and spiritual assistance. When interviewing or working with hospice providers, you can request additional information about any out-of-pocket costs that may occur.
While it’s likely that hospice care at home will be covered by your loved one’s insurance plan, it is a good idea to look at your loved one’s plan to understand coverage.
Read related article:Does Medicare Pay for Hospice Care?
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Most types of insurance cover all or the majority of hospice care costs, which means your loved one is unlikely to pay a large amount out of pocket. Reach out to your loved one’s insurance provider to determine if any of the costs of hospice care at home must be paid out of pocket.
Depending on your loved one’s care needs, they may pay small amounts for necessary prescriptions or medical supplies.
The majority of families cover the costs of hospice care at home with the following types of insurance: [02]
Qualifying seniors with Medicare Part A typically don’t pay anything out of pocket for hospice care. To receive coverage, your loved one must meet Medicare’s requirements: They must have a terminal diagnosis from a doctor with a life expectancy of six or fewer months, and they have to cease any curative treatments.
Depending on your loved one’s hospice provider, they may have to provide a copay of up to $5 per prescription drug that isn’t fully covered by Medicare.
Medicaid eligibility requirements and details vary from state to state, but the costs of home hospice care are generally covered for qualifying beneficiaries. If your loved one has Medicaid and has received a terminal prognosis, they likely won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for comfort care.
Veterans benefits typically cover home hospice costs for eligible veterans and their spouses. However, your loved one may have to choose a VA-approved hospice provider or meet additional qualifications.
If your loved one has an employer-funded or private market insurance policy, some costs of hospice care at home may be covered. However, details and coverage vary by provider and plan. If you plan on funding hospice with private insurance, make sure to contact your relative’s insurer or agent to find out the specifics of their coverage.
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If your loved one hasn’t signed up for Medicare or Medicaid or is otherwise uninsured, you still may not have to pay out of pocket for end-of-life care. A significant number of hospice providers are operated or funded by not-for-profit organizations and may offer services at reduced rates or at no cost to qualifying patients.[02]
It’s also important to note that, while the insurance plans above cover the costs of hospice care at home, they may not work with all providers. For example, certain religious hospice providers may not be covered by federally funded insurance programs. Before selecting a hospice care provider, check with your loved one’s insurance to ensure their choice is covered.
While a routine hospice team can help families immeasurably with many aspects of end-of-life care, you may benefit from additional support with everyday tasks. An in-home care aide can offer assistance with meal preparation and other daily tasks, like dressing and bathing, while you work, complete errands, or take a necessary moment for self-care. With a home care aide, you can focus more on spending quality time with your loved one, knowing their care needs have been met.
If you think home care may help your family during this difficult time, reach out to one of A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors. They can guide you through the process of understanding the cost of senior care and finding local agencies, all at no cost to your family.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023, Sept. 13). Annual change in Medicaid hospice payment rates – ACTION.
Hospice Foundation of America. Paying for hospice care.
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