Definition and terms of Medicare hospice billing

Definitions
Coinsurance—An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles. Coinsurance is usually a percentage (for example, 20%).
Copayment—An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor’s visit or prescription. A copayment is usually a set amount, rather than a percentage. For example, you might pay $10 or $20 for a doctor’s visit or prescription.
Deductible—The amount you must pay for health care or prescriptions, before Original Medicare, your prescription drug plan, or your other insurance begins to pay.
Medicare Health Plan—A plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits to people with Medicare who enroll in the plan.
Medigap Policy—Medicare Supplement Insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage.
Original Medicare—Original Medicare is fee-for-service coverage under which the government pays your health care providers directly for your Part A and/or Part B benefits.
Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)—A group of practicing doctors and other health care experts paid by the Federal government to check and improve the care given to people with Medicare.
Respite Care—Temporary or periodic care provided in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other type of long-term care program so that a family member or friend who is the patient’s caregiver can rest or take some time off.