Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care in Texas?
Medicare can cover hospice care for eligible patients when specific requirements are met. In general, Medicare hospice coverage is tied to Medicare Part A, certification of terminal illness, and the patient’s choice to receive comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment for the terminal illness.
Who may be eligible?
According to Medicare, a patient generally must have Medicare Part A, be certified as terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course, choose comfort care instead of curative treatment for the terminal illness, and sign a hospice election statement.
What may hospice coverage include?
Hospice care may include nursing care, physician services related to the hospice plan, medical social services, counseling, hospice aide support, medical supplies, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, and short-term respite or inpatient care when arranged by the hospice team.
What may not be covered?
Medicare generally does not cover room and board if the patient lives at home, in a nursing home, or in a hospice inpatient facility, except in specific short-term inpatient or respite situations arranged by the hospice team.
Have questions about what hospice may cover?
Caritas Hospice can walk your family through services, referrals, and next steps with care and clarity.
What about Medicaid in Texas?
Texas also has a Medicaid Hospice Program for eligible people who elect hospice. Coverage details can depend on the patient’s situation, plan, and eligibility, so families should confirm details directly with the hospice team or benefits representative.
Questions to ask before starting hospice
- Is the hospice provider Medicare-approved?
- Which medications, supplies, and equipment are related to the hospice
diagnosis?
- Who should the family call after hours?
- What is covered by hospice and what may remain separate?
- How does the referral and admission process work?
Caritas Hospice can help families understand hospice services, referrals,
and next steps in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding Texas
communities.
Need help understanding hospice coverage?
Our team can explain what services may be included and help you start a referral when hospice care is appropriate.
