Reimbursement for Services

Medicare, Medicare HMOs, MediCal and private insurance plans based in the state of California have a hospice benefit that covers most costs associated with hospice care.

The following benefits are covered when related to the hospice diagnosis:

• Home visits by the hospice team, which can include:
  • Community physician
  • Hospice physician
  • Hospice case manager nurse
  • Certified home health aid
  • Social worker
  • Homemaker
  • Chaplain
  • Bereavement counselor
  • Hospice volunteer
  • Pharmacist
• Medications related to the hospice diagnosis
• Medical equipment / supplies
• Respite care
• Inpatient or crisis care
• Bereavement services
• Physical, speech and occupational therapy
• Dietary counseling

San Diego Hospice & Palliative care has funds available for patients and families without insurance or ability to pay.

The following reference materials are intended to help clarify billing issues faced by healthcare professionals and terms associated with hospice service:

Link to Billing Reference Guide

Link to Physician Reference Guide