How do I Charge for Hospice Services?

A hospice agency provides care for people who are terminally ill. Hospice does not hasten or postpone death, but provides physical and emotional care and support for patients and families through the end-of-life process. Services may be provided at home, a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek reimbursement from Medicare and/or private insurance. Medicare covers home health aides, homemaker services, physical therapy, outpatient drugs for symptom management and pain relief, nursing care, medical supplies related to the terminal illness and physician services. Insurance companies vary in what they cover. Medicare pays hospice companies a daily rate for each day a patient is enrolled. Rates differ depending on the type of care the patient received: routine home care, continuous home care, inpatient respite care and general inpatient care.

• 2

  Inform the family before services. For services or medications that are not covered by Medicare or private insurance, send an estimate to the patient or family before services are provided so that they are fully aware of the cost and details of service. Typically, under Medicare hospice coverage, patients are only responsible for medications and inpatient respite care. Your hospice can charge up to a maximum of $5 for each prescription related to the terminal illness. Respite care provides relief to the person who provides care in the home. It is limited to no more than five days.

• 3

  Bill for services not covered by Medicare. Medicare's hospice program does not cover treatments that are not symptom management and pain control for the terminal illness. It does not cover care from a healthcare provider not arranged by the hospice, or duplicate care the hospice is required to provide.