Service covered under Medicare hospice benefit

What services are covered under the Medicare
Hospice Benefit?
The Medicare Hospice Benefit (the Benefit) covers the
following services as long as they relate to the terminal
diagnosis and are outlined in the patient’s care plan:

• Physician services for the medical direction of
the patient’s care, provided by either the patient’s
personal physician or a physician affiliated with a
hospice program;

• Regular home care visits by registered nurses and
licensed practical nurses to monitor the patient’s
condition and to provide appropriate care and
maintain patient comfort;

• Home health aide and homemaker services such as
dressing and bathing that address the patient’s personal
needs;
• Chaplain services for the patient and/or loved ones,
if desired;
• Social work and counseling services;
• Bereavement counseling to help patients and their
loved ones with grief and loss;
• Medical equipment (i.e., hospital beds);
• Medical supplies (i.e., bandages and catheters);
• Drugs for symptom control and pain relief;
• Volunteer support to assist the patient and
loved ones;
• Physical, speech, and occupational therapy; and
• Dietary counseling.