Medicare Covers Hospice and Comfort Care

Do you care for someone who is terminally ill? It isn’t always easy to care for a loved one in difficult times, but Medicare can help – you don’t have to do it alone.

Medicare covers care for people who are terminally ill, and they have resources to help you. Hospice is a program of care and support for people who are terminally ill. The focus is on comfort, or “palliative” care, not on curing an illness. Hospice care can include doctor and nursing services, counseling, medical supplies, pain medications, and other services. If your doctor has certified that your loved one is terminally ill, Medicare covers hospice care, which is usually provided in the home. Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren’t related to your loved one’s terminal illness.

To get more details about Medicare’s coverage go to https://www.medicare.gov/publications/02154-medicare-hospice-benefits.pdf   Remember, you’re not alone – Medicare has resources to help. You can get more information from http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-and-respite-care.html. 

If you or a family member would like to learn more you can also contact me anytime.  There is no cost or obligation to talk with me.  I would be glad to talk to you and answer questions about Medicare in Maine.  You can E-mail Me page or call me directly at (207) 370-0143.