Hospice is a service provided by either a public or private company that has been approved by Medicare. It is designed to provide physical care and counseling for people of any age who are in their final stages of life. Hospice care can be provided in the patient’s home, a hospice care facility, a hospital, or a nursing home.
If you qualify for hospice care, you likely have questions such as “How long does Medicare pay for hospice care?” First, check the following criteria to ensure that you qualify:
• You qualify for Medicare Part A
• You are deemed terminally ill with less than six months to live, by your doctor, as well as the hospice medical director.
• You sign a document stating that you understand and are choosing hospice care over traditional hospital care.
• The program you choose to receive hospice care through has been approved by Medicare.
Hospice costs are covered by Medicare as long as it is verified by your doctor that you are terminally ill and likely have less than six months to live. Regardless of how long you live, you can remain in hospice care for the duration of the time that your doctor declares that you are, in fact, terminally ill. Initially you will be granted 90 days of hospice care. If necessary, you will be granted another 90 days upon recertification by your doctor. After that, you will need to be recertified by your doctor as a terminally ill patient every 60 days.