(856) 596-1600 | Start a Referral
(856) 596-1600 | Start a Referral
Understanding the financial aspects of hospice care is essential for South Jersey patients and their families. Various sources can cover the cost of hospice care, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, out-of-pocket payments, and charitable organizations. Each of these options plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive necessary end-of-life care and support, alleviating some of the financial burdens during a challenging time.
If you have questions, contact us at (856) 596-1600 or by filling out our online form here.
For those eligible, Medicare pays for hospice care, including services such as medical care, nursing services, medical equipment, medications for symptom control and pain relief, and support services. Medicare is the main source of payment for hospice care in New Jersey and across the country.
Most hospice patients in South Jersey have their hospice care covered through Medicare Part A, specifically the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which covers the cost of hospice care services related to the person’s terminal illness and any other related conditions. Samaritan is certified by Medicare to provide hospice care.
The interdisciplinary team is composed of physicians, nurses, certified home health aides, social workers, spiritual support counselors, grief support counselors, music therapists, massage therapists and more.
Medicare hospice benefit covers medication relating to the hospice diagnosis and any other related conditions.
The hospice benefit provides for essential medical equipment including: a hospital bed, incontinence supplies, and more. Learn more about the hospice medical equipment that is provided.
Caregivers are offered complementary bereavement support. Learn more about grief support options in South Jersey.
It’s important to note that the hospice benefit will not cover medications, medical equipment or services that are unrelated to the terminal diagnosis. For example, if a person has long-standing high blood pressure but is admitted to hospice due to terminal cancer, the hospice benefit will pay for the cancer drugs, but not the blood-pressure medications. The hospice staff can tell you which drugs are related to your terminal diagnosis, and which are not. In addition, costs of room and board are not part of the Medicare hospice benefit.
Samaritan is certified by Medicare to provide hospice care. We accept their reimbursement as coverage for services related to the primary hospice diagnosis. For care unrelated to the terminal diagnosis, Medicare A/B will continue to provide patients their routine benefits including physician visits.
Want to talk to someone about paying for hospice care?
Call us 24/7 (856) 596-1600
If a patient is not covered by Medicare, there are several alternative sources of funding for hospice care:
Many state Medicaid programs cover hospice care for eligible individuals. The coverage and benefits can vary by statebut generally include similar services to those covered by Medicare.
In New Jersey, the Medicaid Hospice Benefit provides comprehensive hospice care for eligible individuals virtually identical to Medicare. Samaritan is certified by Medicaid to provide hospice care.
Many private health insurance plans include hospice care benefits. The specifics of what is covered and any associated costs vary depending on the insurance provider and policy.
Veterans who are eligible for VA benefits may receive hospice care through the VA. The VA provides comprehensive hospice services, often covering what is necessary for the patient’s care.
For individuals without insurance coverage or other means of paying for hospice care, some may pay out-of-pocket. Many hospice providers have sliding scale fees or financial assistance programs to help those who cannot afford the full cost of care.
Some non-profit organizations and charitable foundations offer financial assistance for hospice care to those in need. These organizations may help cover the costs of services not fully paid for by other means.
Questions About Who Pays for Hospice Care?
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Hospice care at home can be paid for through the same sources – Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits, out-of-pocket, and charitable organizations – depending on the patient’s eligibility and circumstances.
Generally, patients are eligible for hospice care when they have chosen to pursue care focused on comfort rather than curative treatment and have received a prognosis of six months or less to live. Patients are eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit when they meet those requirements, are enrolled in Medicare Part A or C, and are receiving care from a Medicare approved hospice program.
Families may be responsible for bills from 911 calls or hospital visits that are not coordinated by the hospice team. It is crucial to review all anticipated treatments, procedures, or tests with the hospice team nurse beforehand. If these services are unrelated to the hospice diagnosis, the family may be liable for the charges.
Check with your insurance carrier to understand the full extent of your hospice care coverage. If you’re in South Jersey, contact Samaritan at (856) 596-1600 for assistance in determining your benefits and addressing any financial gaps.
The cost of hospice care will vary depending on several factors, including whether you have private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. With that in mind, it’s difficult to give a general cost.
As the first and largest hospice organization in South Jersey, Samaritan brings comfort at the end of life to all members of this community. With a dedicated team of experts and two impatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly, we are committed to improving the quality of life for both patients and their families. If you have questions about how you can pay for hospice care, or any questions about hospice services in South Jersey, contact us at (856) 596-1600 to speak with an expert 24/7 or complete this online patient referral form.
Speak with an expert 24/7 to learn more about Medicare coverage, discuss payment, or inquire about any other hospice care concerns.
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