Does Medicare cover respite care?
Sometimes. Only for people in hospice. They can stay up to 5 days so the caregiver can rest.
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?
- The stay is in a Medicare-approved nursing home, hospice, or hospital.
- The hospice team sets it up.
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.