How much does hospice cost?
Here's the answer families don't believe at first: for most, nothing. Medicare covers hospice at 100%, the Oregon Health Plan and most private insurance follow suit, and we verify coverage in writing before care starts.
Who pays for hospice
| If the patient has… | Then hospice is… |
|---|---|
| Medicare (Part A) | Covered at 100% under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. |
| Medicare Advantage | Covered — Original Medicare pays for hospice; the plan keeps covering unrelated care. |
| Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) | Covered, with a benefit closely mirroring Medicare's. |
| Private insurance | Almost always covered; we verify the details of your plan before care starts. |
| VA benefits | Covered for enrolled veterans who qualify — see our veterans program. |
| No coverage | Call us — our social workers help families explore options, including Medicaid enrollment. |
The mechanics are covered in depth in our Medicare Hospice Benefit guide — and our veterans program helps with VA coverage questions.
Why hospice is the rare healthcare with no bill
Congress designed the Medicare Hospice Benefit in 1982 as an all-inclusive bundle: one benefit that pays the hospice for everything related to comfort care, so dying patients and their families never juggle claims. That design survives today — and it's why the question to ask any hospice isn't "what will this cost?" but "what does the benefit include with you?" Our answer: everything on this list.
Frequently asked questions
Worried about affording care? Stop worrying — call.
Five minutes on the phone and we'll tell you exactly how your loved one's care would be covered. Free, no obligation.