Which type of Medicare covers hospice care?

Medicare A, also known as Hospital Insurance, covers hospice care under specific conditions. This part of Medicare is designed to provide benefits for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. For hospice care to be covered by Medicare A, the individual must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being certified by a physician as having a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Coverage includes a range of services, such as pain management, symptom control, medical equipment, and support for the individual and their family.

Other parts of Medicare have different focuses and coverage areas that do not include hospice care. For instance, Medicare B provides coverage for outpatient services, while Medicare D specifically covers prescription drugs. Medicare C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes benefits from both Medicare A and B but may also vary in additional coverage options and services provided, which may not necessarily include hospice services in the same manner as Medicare A. Therefore, Medicare A is the appropriate choice when it comes to hospice care coverage.