Payment Options

Generally, home hospice care costs less than care in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutional settings because less high-cost technology is used, and family and friends provide much of the care at home.

Hospice care is financed by a variety of sources; Medicare, Medicaid in 39 states, the Veterans Administration and by most private insurance plans, HMO's and other managed care organizations.

The Hospice Medicare Benefit covers all of the services of the Hospice team, plus the cost of all medications, medical equipment, ancillary therapies and supplies related to the symptom management of the terminal illness. There is no co-payment and no deductible. The Hospice bills Medicare directly and pays for everything that is covered under the benefit. Hospice has removed financial pain from patients and families.

The Hospice Medicaid Benefit is patterned after the Medicare benefit allowing the states to develop coverage for hospice programs.

Private Insurance usually covers hospice care as a benefit. Be sure to inquire about your insurance coverage, not only for hospice, but also for home care.

In order to find out what coverage you have, it is important that you provide Heritage Hospice with insurance and Medicare information. Heritage Hospice will handle the billing for you. Our Billing Department staff are available to answer any questions regarding payment.