Paying for Hospice Care
As a community based non-profit organization serving residents of Talbot County in Maryland, our commitment to the community is to care for all hospice-eligible patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In general, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances cover the cost of hospice services. Many hospice patients use the Medicare Hospice Benefit to pay for their care, and coverage by Medicaid and most private insurance is similar to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Talbot Hospice covers the costs of qualified patients needing care who have no insurance.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit
Medicare Part A pays hospices a fee that covers hospice care.
- The Medicare Hospice Benefit offers 100% coverage for hospice services, including expert pain and symptom management, care from a team of professionals, medicines, medical equipment and medical supplies.
- The Hospice Benefit does not pay for round-the-clock care for patients. Hospice social workers help families figure out how to get additional care for patients who need more help.
- Unlike the Medicare Home Health benefit, the Hospice Benefit does not require patients to be home-bound. Hospice patients are free to go out to visit friends and family, or participate in other activities as they are able.
Read more information about Medicare Hospice Benefits on the Medicare.gov website.
Medicaid
Coverage by Medicaid is similar to the coverage provided by the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
Private Insurance
Most private insurances cover most or all of the cost of hospice care but some policies may have deductibles, co-pays or maximums that apply. Talbot Hospice staff members work with each individual’s insurance company to ensure that patients get the care that they are entitled to. Please contact a member of the Talbot Hospice finance team to get help with insurance questions or concerns.
Charity Care
All hospice-eligible patients admitted to Talbot Hospice will have access to hospice services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Talbot Hospice will help patients assess their eligibility for various kinds of financial support, and offers charity care at no charge to qualified indigent patients. We also have a sliding fee scale for patients who may be able to pay for some, but not all of their care. For more information, please contact a member of our finance team.
