Even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, hospice care is always covered under Original Medicare and will follow Original Medicare’s cost and coverage rules. To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. When you agree to hospice care, you’re agreeing to comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your illness. You also must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions. Coverage includes the following:

– All items and services needed for pain relief and symptom management
– Medical, nursing, and social services
– Drugs for pain management
– Durable medical equipment for pain relief and symptom management
– Aide and homemaker services
– Other covered services you need to manage your pain and other symptoms, as well as spiritual and grief counseling for you and your family.