Bliss Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice. Most of our patients are covered by the Medicare hospice benefit, which pays for nearly all care related to the terminal illness. We also work with the VA, commercial insurance, and private pay.
How We’re Paid
Medicare
Veterans benefits (VA)
Commercial insurance (prior authorization required)
Private pay
What Medicare Covers
What It Costs With Medicare
For patients with Medicare, there is no cost for covered hospice care at Bliss Hospice. That includes the nursing, physician, aide, therapy, social work, spiritual care, and bereavement services, and the medications and equipment related to the terminal illness.
The one cost Medicare doesn’t cover is room and board if the patient lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Care in a private home has no room and board charge.
We explain everything before care begins, so there are no surprises.
Medicare Advantage
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, hospice is still paid for by Original Medicare. We’ll explain how this works with your plan.
Veterans (VA)
We work with the VA to provide hospice care for eligible veterans. The VA sends us its approval before care begins, and we coordinate the rest.
Commercial Insurance
Some commercial insurance plans cover hospice. These plans require prior authorization, and our team will help request it. Your insurer makes the coverage decision, and we’ll let you know about any costs before care begins.
Private Pay
Private pay is also an option. Written rates are available on request.
We Check Your Benefits for You
You don’t need to figure out coverage on your own. Call us at 602-492-1643 and our team will verify your coverage, explain what is covered, and answer your questions at no cost. Available 24/7. After hours, on weekends, and on holidays, a Bliss nurse answers every call, never an outside answering service.
Things to Know
Hospice covers care related to the terminal illness and related conditions. Care for unrelated conditions continues to be covered the way it was before hospice.
Respite stays are up to five days at a time.
Medicare doesn’t pay for room and board in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Call us first. A Bliss nurse is available 24/7 and can often solve a problem at home. Medicare generally doesn’t cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, or ambulance transport for the terminal illness unless the hospice team arranges them. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Who Qualifies
Common Questions
Does choosing hospice mean we’re giving up?
No. Choosing hospice means focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice provides medical care, symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families. Our team helps you make informed decisions and supports your loved one throughout their journey.
What if the patient lives longer than six months?
A six-month prognosis is an eligibility guideline, not a fixed time limit. If the patient continues to meet hospice eligibility requirements, hospice care can continue beyond six months with the required medical recertification. Our team will continue to assess the patient’s needs and eligibility.
Can we stop hospice if we change our minds?
Yes. Patients can choose to stop hospice care if their goals or preferences change. The patient or their representative must complete the required written revocation process. After hospice ends, Medicare coverage for other eligible treatments resumes. If the patient later qualifies for hospice again, they may elect hospice care again.
Can we keep our own doctor?
Yes. Patients can continue seeing their regular doctor if they choose that doctor to help supervise their hospice care. Our hospice team coordinates care with the attending physician to support the patient’s needs and comfort.
Does Medicare pay for room and board in a facility?
Generally, no. Medicare does not cover room and board in a nursing home or assisted living facility during routine hospice care. However, Medicare may cover a short-term inpatient or respite stay arranged by the hospice team when the patient meets the applicable requirements. Our team can explain what is covered based on your care arrangements.