How long does Medicare pay for Hospice care?

Answer 1

This is directly from the Medicare and You 2009 book concerning Hospice Care: For people with a terminal illness who are expected to live 6 months or less (as certified by a doctor). Coverage may include drugs (for pain relief and symptom management), medical, nursing, social services, and other covered services as well as services not usually covered by Medicare (like grief counseling). Hospice care is usually given in your home (or other facility like a nursing home) by a Medicare-approved hospice. Medicare covers some short-term inpatient stays (for pain and symptom management that requires an inpatient stay) in a Medicare-approved facility, such as a hospice facility, hospital, or skilled nursing facility. Medicare also covers inpatient respite care (care given to a hospice patient so that the usual caregiver can rest). You can stay in a Medicare-approved facility up to 5 days each time you get respite care. Medicare may pay for covered services for health problems that aren't related to your terminal illness. You can continue to get hospice care as long as the hospice medical director or hospice doctor recertifies that you are terminally ill. You can view the entire book here: http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf

Answer 2

Medicare covers hospice care for individuals with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. It can be continued beyond six months if the patient's condition remains terminal.