Many options available to pay for hospice care

The U.S. department of Health and Human Services has the following information on different methods of hospice care payment:

How can I pay for hospice care?
Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid (in 43 states) cover hospice care for patients who meet eligibility criteria. Private insurance and veterans' benefits also may cover hospice care under certain conditions. In addition, some hospice programs offer health care services on a sliding fee scale basis for patients with limited income and resources. To get help with your Medicare questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048 for the speech and hearing impaired) or look on the Internet at www.medicare.gov. Additional information about how to pay for hospice care can be found at the Public Policy Institute of the AARP at http://www.aarp.org/research/endoflife/hospice/aresearch-import-684-FS81.html .

Where can I learn more about hospice care?
Seniors and caregivers may order a copy of the National Hospice Foundation's consumer brochure by calling 1-800-646-6460 from 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The foundation also may be reached at: Hospice Net
401 Bowling Ave., Suite 51
Nashville, TN 37205-5124

To find out more about hospice programs where you live, you can contact your local aging information and assistance provider or area agency on aging (AAA). The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 or http://www.eldercare.gov can help connect you to these agencies.