There are many difficult decisions that come with a terminal illness, like considering whether hospice care is right for you. The thought of hospice can be scary, but it’s important to learn about end-of-life options.
Medicare covers hospice care to help terminally ill patients spend the last moments of their lives with dignity and comfort at home, among loved ones. Hospice care focuses on comfort or “palliative care,” not curing an illness. Once you choose hospice care, your hospice benefit should cover everything you need.
Medicare’s hospice benefit provides:
- Care in your home. A specially-trained team of professionals and caregivers provide care for the “whole person,” including your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
- Physical care, counseling, drugs, equipment, and supplies for the terminal illness and related conditions.
- Support for family caregivers.
To learn more about the care and support available to people who are terminally ill:
- Use Care Compare to find hospices that serve your area and compare them based on the quality of care they provide.
- To find additional resources and support, visit the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA), or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).
