For those facing a life-limiting illness, Hospice care is a special way of caring that focuses on offering the patient the opportunity to enjoy whatever time is left with dignity and without pain.

From the Latin for, "a place of shelter or asylum" (the word "hospital" comes from the same root), in the United States Hospice care is most often provided at home. Hospice care can also be provided to patients of any age in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living residences and free-standing hospice facilities.

For most Americans over age 65 Hospice care is covered by either Medicare Part A or a Medicare Advantage plan. Medical and support services are provided to the patient and the family, along with pain-relieving medications and any necessary medical equipment. With the exception of a small co-payment for outpatient drugs and any inpatient respite care, Medicare pays all of the costs associated with Hospice care.

Patients are eligible for Medicare coverage for Hospice care if they have Medicare Part A or are participating in a Medicare Advantage (HMO) plan. The patient's physician and the Hospice medical director must certify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less. The patient must choose Hospice care instead of standard Medicare benefits for the terminal illness, and the patient must receive Hospice care from an approved Hospice program.

When all Hospice requirements have been met, Medicare will cover

  Physician services

  Nursing care

  Medical appliances

  Medical supplies

  Outpatient drugs for symptom management and pain relief (with a 
    small co-payment)

  Home health aide and homemaker services

  Physical and occupational therapy

  Speech language pathology

  Medical social services

  Dietary and other counseling

  Short-term inpatient care, including respite care

  Bereavement counseling for family members

Even though the Hospice team includes a physician,  patients can continue to use their personal physicians if they prefer. Medicare will cover physician services under the Part B portion.

When a patient elects to use the Medicare Hospice benefit, Hospice will provide for symptom management and pain control. The patient voluntarily gives up the option of receiving treatment directed toward a cure of the terminal disease. However, the patient can continue to use Medicare Part A and B benefits for treatment of any health problems not related to the terminal illness.

Although the patient must be certified as having a terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than 6 months, Hospice care can continue as long as the patient has a need, without regard to how much time the patient has received care. Patients are also permitted to cancel Hospice care and return to standard Medicare at any time.