Hospice vs. Hospital Costs 

When a loved one faces a terminal illness, balancing medical decisions with financial concerns can feel overwhelming and possibly even guilt-inducing. Comparing hospice care vs. hospital stays involves looking at how services are covered and how care is delivered.  

The short of it:

• Hospital stays often provide peace of mind to families but can come with expensive room charges and emergency room bills. 
• Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and managing symptoms wherever the patient calls home, typically for no cost to the patient, but a medical professional is not fully with the patient 24/7. 
• Hospices with on-call support lines can also remove the hours waiting in the emergency room, the risk of contracting other illnesses, and additional stressors on the patient and family. 

One of the most important factors when examining the cost of hospice vs. hospital care is the minimal out-of-pocket expense for families. For most, hospice services are available at little or no cost. A majority of hospice patients do not have to pay for care thanks to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This benefit typically covers 100% of hospice-related fees with no deductibles and no copays. Medicaid also covers hospice care in most states for eligible individuals, and most private insurance companies model their coverage after the Medicare benefit package. Billing specialists at Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care can help you review a specific policy to clarify payment responsibilities. 

Choosing hospice care at home vs. hospital settings also eliminates the financial stress of potentially purchasing or renting medical equipment such as a hospital bed for the home. The Medicare Hospice Benefit ensures that all medical supplies and equipment related to the terminal illness are provided at no cost. Crossroads delivers and sets up necessary items like a hospital bed, oxygen, and personal care supplies directly to the patient residence. Furthermore, medication related to the terminal illness for pain and comfort management is covered and delivered. 

Families sometimes worry about how to pay for care if they lack insurance coverage. Crossroads operates with the belief that no patient should ever be denied end of life care because of an inability to pay. We work directly with uninsured or underinsured families on a case-by-case basis to find a solution, which may include sliding scale reduced costs or support through charitable funds. By choosing hospice over unnecessary hospital readmissions, families can avoid unexpected financial strain and extra stress, and instead focus their energy on spending quality time together. 

Do not let financial concerns stand in the way of high-quality comfort care. To discuss insurance benefits, verify your coverage, or learn about financial assistance options, call the Crossroads supportive team any time at 855-327-4677 or complete the contact form to receive a quick response.