Does Medicare cover hospice care?
Yes. Part A pays for hospice when a doctor expects 6 months of life or less.
What will you pay?
With Original Medicare: You pay nothing for covered hospice care. You may pay a small copay for comfort drugs and respite stays.
With a Medicare Advantage plan: Medicare Advantage plans must cover it too, but your costs and rules can differ. Check your plan. Compare plans near you.
What are the rules?
- You choose comfort care instead of care to cure the illness.
- The hospice team, comfort medicine, and equipment are covered.
- You can stop hospice at any time.
What should you do next?
Find hospice near youSource: Medicare.gov: Hospice care (opens in a new tab). Checked Oct 21, 2026. Costs are for 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.