Navigating Your Care Options With Transparency
Healthcare billing can be intimidating, but most hospice and home health services are fully funded by federal and state insurance programs. Below is a straightforward overview of coverage and payment structures across each care discipline.
Coverage by Service Type
Hospice Coverage
Hospice care is covered at 100% with virtually no out-of-pocket costs for families through Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.
Includes:
- Full clinical nursing & physician oversight
- Medications related to the terminal condition
- Durable Medical Equipment (hospital beds, oxygen)
- Social work, spiritual care, and bereavement support
Home Health Coverage
Certified Home Health is designed for short-term clinical rehabilitation and is covered under Medicare Part A & Part B when physician criteria are met.
Includes:
- Intermittent skilled nursing care & wound management
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy
- Medical social services & certified nurse aide visits
- Standard recovery medical supplies
Home Care Payment
Non-medical supportive care (daily living assistance, housekeeping, companion care) is typically not covered by standard Medicare.
Common Payment Routes:
- Private Pay / Family savings or retirement funds
- Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) policies
- VA Aid & Attendance pension benefits
- Minnesota State Medicaid Waiver programs
Understanding Specific Programs
Medicare
Traditional Medicare (Part A) includes the Medicare Hospice Benefit, established by Congress to ensure all eligible citizens have access to comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care without financial ruin.
For home health, Medicare covers 100% of approved skilled visits provided by our clinical staff, so long as intermittent skilled nursing or physical/speech therapy is required.
Medicaid & Minnesota Programs
Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) covers comprehensive hospice care mirroring federal benefits. For non-medical in-home supportive care, Minnesota offers specialized home and community-based waiver programs:
- Elderly Waiver (EW): Funds home and community services for eligible seniors.
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI): Supports people under age 65 with disabilities.
Medicare Advantage
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), your hospice care is still primarily billed through Traditional Medicare Part A, giving you full choice of hospice providers.
For Home Health services, Medicare Advantage plans handle in-network approvals and prior authorizations. Our team handles all verification directly with your insurer.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) is specifically crafted to pay for custodial care, bathing, dressing, meal support, and non-medical supervision in the home.
We help coordinate directly with your policy carrier, providing all necessary daily activity documentation and clinical certifications to expedite benefit payouts.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare have access to comprehensive hospice and palliative care as part of the standard Medical Benefits Package. Through the VA Community Care Network (CCN), eligible veterans can receive CHOSEN Hospice and Home Health care in their own home at zero co-pay.
Furthermore, wartime veterans or surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance pension benefit, providing additional monthly funds dedicated toward in-home personal care.
Important Notice
Coverage and eligibility depend on individual circumstances and applicable program or insurance requirements.