What is Covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit?

 There is an endless amount of different directions you can go with government agencies, especially Medicare.  One little known benefit of Medicare that could help someone in a situation where they are battling a terminal illness is the Medicare hospice benefit.  Many people don’t know about this benefit and therefore don’t ask just what could be covered by this wonderful benefit.

Here is what could be covered by the Medicare hospice benefit:

•  The services that you receive from a physician can be covered by the Medicare hospice benefit.
•  Intermittent care with a nurse who is on call for 24 hours is covered by the Medicare hospice benefit.
•  If you have supplies, medical equipment, drugs for symptom management and/or drugs for pain management all could possibly be covered by the Medicare hospice benefit.
•  If you use medical social services and counseling (either dietary or spiritual) you could be eligible for some relief through this benefit.
•  If you or someone you know needs to use the Medicare hospice benefit they could get help for the three main types of therapy (speech, physical and occupational).

If you are taking care of a loved one who is on Medicare or you yourself are using Medicare and have a terminal illness it is worth it to look into the Medicare hospice benefit and see if it could help you in your situation.

Entry Filed under: Benefits Explained