Hospice Care

Hospice care, also known as end-of-life care, is a service provided to terminally ill patients by medical professionals and health care volunteers. In general, both emotional and physical support is delivered to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Sometimes patients will receive hospice care while in other facilities, such as hospitals, as well.

What are the costs associated with hospice care?

There are several payment options available to those and the families of those who receive hospice care. In general, this service is less costly than hospital or nursing home care because full-time treatment is not administered and less high-tech instruments are used. Patients have the following payment choices:

• Medicare: Patients must qualify for Medicare hospice treatment by being certified by a medical professional. To be certified, the patient must only have 6 months or less to live.
• Medicaid: This is state-covered payment for hospice care, and it may vary depending on location. It is available in most states.
• Private insurance: Most individuals covered by private insurance have hospice care included in their coverage plans.
• Private payment: Patients who do not have insurance coverage for their hospice care will have to pay out of pocket for their treatment. However, for those who lack the means to do so but still necessitate treatment may be administered free care.

In general, the expenses related to hospice care are covered by government funded programs, insurance, donations, or contributions.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about hospice care and the responsibilities of a hospice program, contact the Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller today at 800-570-4878 to speak with an attorney about your questions.