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How Much Does Hospice Cost? Understanding Coverage and Care.

Written by BAYADA Hospice | 4/11/25 1:35 PM

The Truth Is in the Stories: Dispelling Myths About Hospice Care – Part 2

Myth: Quality care at the end of life is very expensive.

Truth: Hospice care is designed to relieve not just medical burdens, but also financial ones, and most costs are fully covered through Medicare or private insurance.

When Angela’s health began to decline from advanced heart disease, her daughter found herself asking a question no one had prepared her for: Can we afford the care Mom needs?

Angela, a retired widow, lived alone in the modest home where she and her husband raised their family. She was independent, proud of her space, and determined not to be a financial burden. Her daughter, trying to honor that independence was troubled by conflicting and often erroneous advice. One friend said she’d have to sell the house to afford hospice. Another person warned that assisted living could cost upwards of $10,000 a month—and mistakenly said that hospice wouldn’t go there anyway.

Once she began exploring home health care and hospice, she began to feel a huge sense of relief and renewed optimism that she could help her mom find expert care that was accessible and affordable.

Hospice Is Covered—and Comprehensive

Many families are surprised to learn that hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. That means most patients pay little or nothing out of pocket. This includes:

  • Medications related to the terminal illness
  • Medical supplies like incontinence products and wound care items
  • Equipment like hospital beds, oxygen, and wheelchairs
  • Regular in-home visits from nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains
  • Available, 24/7 on-call support for urgent needs

Some providers, like BAYADA, offer both home health care and hospice, which offers a seamless transition from one to the other if a patient’s condition progresses without needing to start over with a new provider.

Knowing facts eases fears

In the end, Angela’s daughter didn’t have to sell the house or choose between her mother’s comfort and her family’s savings. And she didn’t have to carry the burden of care alone.

Hospice care allowed Angela to remain in the home she loved, receiving the expert support she needed at no extra cost. Her daughter found peace of mind, guidance, and the freedom to be a daughter—not just a caregiver.

Hospice is compassionate—and practical. When families understand what’s covered, they can focus on what matters most: comfort, connection, and quality of life.

To learn more about how BAYADA Hospice can support you or your loved one, visit our website or contact us for more information.